The Tigers optioned Montero to minor-league camp Wednesday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montero had seemed to have a good shot to break camp in a long man or swingman role, so it's a surprise he's an early-March cut. He struggled in his first two Grapefruit League outings but tossed three scoreless frames in Wednesday's exhibition contest against Team Panama. Even though he won't be with them on Opening Day, Montero remains likely to spend a large chunk of the season with the Tigers.

Montero allowed two runs on five hits across three innings in Thursday's Grapefruit League against the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

Montero has now made two appearances this spring, and he's allowed five runs on eight hits across five innings of work, while striking out two. The righty delivered a serviceable 4.37 ERA across 90.2 regular-season innings last year, working primarily as a starter. However, with the Tigers adding Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander to their rotation in the offseason, Montero will likely have to settle for competing for a long-relief role to begin the year.

Montero didn't factor into the decision Saturday against Boston, allowing one run on five hits across 4.1 innings. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

While Montero had a short leash Saturday, it was a strong bounce-back outing for the right-hander, after he gave up three runs in three innings while walking four against Atlanta his last time out. The 25-year-old Montero will finish the regular season at 5-3 with a 4.37 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 72:31 K:BB across 90.2 innings.

Montero didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 6-5 loss to Atlanta, giving up three runs on two hits and four walks over three innings. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander needed 69 pitches (40 strikes) to record nine outs, and both hits off Montero left the yard in the third to help chase him from the game. Since returning to the majors in September, Montero's posted a 3.46 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 12:6 K:BB through four appearances (two starts) and 13 innings. He's expected to make one more start before the end of the regular season, on the road next weekend in Boston.

Montero is slated to start Saturday's game against Atlanta at Comerica Park.

EDGE Analysis

After being called up from Triple-A Toledo on Sept. 3, Montero made his first two appearances with the Tigers as a reliever before being called upon to make a start in Miami last Sunday. The right-hander acquitted himself well in that outing, earning a win while striking out five over five shutout innings. He'll be rewarded with another turn through the rotation as a result of his prior performance, and he could have a slightly longer leash after tossing just 76 pitches against the Marlins before being removed from the contest.

Motero (5-3) allowed three hits over five scoreless innings Sunday, striking out five and earning a win over the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

Montero gave up three singles and did not allow a runner to reach scoring position. He fell short of a quality start, but tossed 50 strikes on 76 total pitches; it was his highest pitch count since July 25, which was his last MLB appearance before spending just over a month with Triple-A Toledo. Montero now owns a 4.32 ERA with a 63:27 K:BB through 83.1 MLB innings this season. He's lined up for a home start against Atlanta next weekend.

Montero will start for Detroit against Miami on Sunday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

For at least one turn, Montero will take the rotation spot of Sawyer Gipson-Long, who landed on the injured list Friday due to neck stiffness. Montero is no stranger to a starting role, as he's made nine starts (out of 17 appearances) this season and has completed as many as eight innings in a contest (May 8 against Colorado). Montero was dispatched to the minors in late July, and since returning to the big-league club Sept. 3, he's made two appearances in relief, allowing two earned runs with a 5:2 K:BB over five innings. If the righty pitches well Sunday, he could get additional starts while Gipson-Long remains shelved.

The Tigers recalled Montero from Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

He'll join the 28-man active roster as a replacement for Chris Paddack, who was placed on the bereavement list. Montero will give the Tigers bullpen some much-needed length after their relievers had to cover five innings in Tuesday's 12-5 loss to the Mets.

The Tigers optioned Montero to Triple-A Toledo on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old righty will be pushed out of the big-league rotation following Tarik Skubal's return from the paternity list. Montero will aim to turn things around in the minors after a poor start to the second half, as he's surrendered 10 runs (nine earned) across just 8.1 innings over his last two starts.

Montero (4-3) allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits across four innings to take the loss Friday against the Blue Jays. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

Montero ran into a hot Toronto team and continued his recent stretch of poor performances. Over his last three outings, he's been tagged for 12 earned runs across 11.1 innings. In his three prior starts, Montero had looked a lot better, allowing just four earned runs over 16 innings. Overall, the 25-year-old has a 4.66 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 53 strikeouts across 73.1 innings this year. With Troy Melton getting called up for his MLB debut Wednesday. the Tigers could have some competition for the No. 5 spot in their rotation moving forward. That could squeeze Montero out, though he's also a candidate to start again in the near future if Melton struggles or if another starter sustains an injury.