The Detroit Tigers took a whipping on Tuesday night at the hands of the Chicago Cubs, who used a rough first inning from Framber Valdez to embarrass their visitors, 11-2, at Wrigley Field. AJ Hinch opted to go with a pair of position players on the mound, and hilarity ensued.
For the Motor City Kitties, right-hander Keider Montero returns from the bullpen to make his first start of July after appearing five times in relief since the last time he opened up a game. Over that stretch, the 26-year-old
posted a 2.08 ERA and nearly identical 2.10 FIP stretching over 13 innings, giving up seven hits and four walks — plus a pair of intentional free passes — while striking out 14 and tossing a wild pitch.
The last time Montero started a game was back on June 26 against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park, a game in which he threw seven scoreless frames on six hits and a walk while striking out three in what was his best outing of the 2026 campaign. While he was effective in relief, he clearly has more potential value as a starter.
Up against him is fellow righty Colin Rea, who will make his 17th start of the season. The 36-year-old has had a less-than-mediocre July so far, putting up a 4.41 ERA and 5.37 FIP over three games stretching over 16 1/3 innings, allowing 18 hits (three home runs) and six walks while striking out 13, hitting a pair of batters and getting called for a balk; however, the Cubs won two of those three games.
Here is a look at how the two pair up in the series finale in Chicago. Note that this game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Detroit Tigers (47-54) vs. Chicago Cubs (57-44)
Time (ET): 8:10 p.m.
Place: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
SB Nation Site: Bleed Cubbie Blue
Media: ESPN, Tigers Radio Network
Game 102: RHP Keider Montero (6-5, 3.22 ERA) vs. RHP Colin Rea (7-6, 4.74 ERA)
MONTERO
REA
