Keider Montero Throws a Maddux, and the Tigers’ Good Vibes Roll On

A young starting pitcher came within one out of a Maddux on Tuesday night, continuing a recent run of strong performances from Detroit’s rotation.

What is a Maddux?

A Maddux is an unofficial term for a shutout that requires at least nine innings pitched, no more than 100 pitches thrown and fewer than 10 batters faced over the minimum. The term is named after Greg Maddux, who threw 15 such games during his Hall of Fame career.

Montero's outing

Montero, 24, allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out nine batters in his outing against the Kansas City Royals. He threw 99 pitches, and he retired the first 21 batters he faced before allowing a two-out single to Edward Olivares in the seventh inning. Montero then walked Bobby Witt Jr. to put two runners on, but he got out of the inning with a strikeout of MJ Melendez.

Montero returned to the mound in the eighth inning and retired the side in order. He then came back out for the ninth, and he retired the first two batters before Salvador Perez singled. Montero then got Nicky Lopez to ground out to end the game.

Tigers’ rotation rolling

Montero’s outing was the latest in a string of strong performances from the Tigers’ rotation. In their last 10 games, the Tigers’ starters have allowed just 17 earned runs in 63 innings pitched, good for a 2.43 ERA.

The Tigers’ rotation has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the 2023 season. After finishing last in the American League in ERA in 2022, the Tigers’ starters have been much better this year. They are now 10th in the AL with a 3.86 ERA.

The Tigers’ rotation is led by Eduardo Rodriguez, who has a 3.48 ERA in 10 starts this season. But the rest of the rotation has been solid as well. Tarik Skubal has a 4.05 ERA in 10 starts, and Matt Manning has a 4.20 ERA in nine starts.

The Tigers’ bullpen has also been solid this season. The bullpen has a 3.92 ERA, which is 11th in the AL.

The Tigers are now 25-24 this season, and they are just 2.5 games out of first place in the AL Central. The Tigers’ rotation has been a big reason for their success, and if they can continue to pitch well, the Tigers could be a contender in the AL Central this season.

Conclusion

Montero’s outing was a reminder of the potential of the Tigers’ rotation. The Tigers have a number of young, talented starting pitchers, and they could be one of the best rotations in the AL this season. If the Tigers’ rotation can continue to pitch well, the Tigers could be a contender in the AL Central this season.