The Detroit Tigers have made a trade. They dealt utility infield prospect Jim Jarvis to the Atlanta Braves for 34-year-old veteran right-hander, Rafael Montero. The reliever had some good years from 2017-2022, but has really struggled the last three seasons. His 3.88 FIP this year says he’s been better than his 5.40 ERA, but unless the Tigers can magically transform him, Montero is just a possibility for middle relief and probably a specialist against right-handed hitters.
Montero has made one adjustment to his game this year that probably intrigues the Tigers. He added an 88 mph split-finger fastball that is drawing a 35.