The evolution of a pitcher over a calendar year among Detroit Tigers pitchers continues to payoff, and Keider Montero is the latest example. Montero delivered a “Maddux,” a rare and remarkable achievement in baseball where a pitcher completes a full nine-inning game in under 100 pitches without surrendering a run, named after Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddox. It was the first time in his career that Montero has thrown a complete game, taking advantage of an eager Rockies team who had 17 swings and misses.
We’ve examined Keider Montero’s fastball evolution, a key pitch that sets up his secondary offerings. However, a closer look reveals that Montero continues to make small adjustments, which have made him effective in each start. While he’s shown flashes of dominance, including throwing his third shutout of the season, he’s also had moments where hanging pitches led to hard contact. Tuesday’s start was a prime example of everything coming together.
Pitch mix
Montero’s knuckle curve, a pitch he throws 10.9% of the time, has been hit for a .310 average by batters this season. However, last night he increased its usage to 19.8% of his total pitch mix, resulting in no hits, a 50% whiff rate, and making it his primary putaway pitch.
It was the most he’s thrown it against right-handers all season—a pitch typically used to neutralize lefties. Right-handers are 8-for-14 against the pitch this season, but last night he allowed no hits, using it 10.1% of the time against them.
Another, more subtle change to his game are his mechanics. Detroit has worked on cleaning up his windup since he has been called up. Here he is for his firs start of the season for Toledo.
Now the glove facing home plate, pause, then throws the pitch home.
Montero has been highly receptive to coaching, often discussing how much he has learned and prepared. Similar to Ty Madden’s outing on Sunday against Oakland, Montero has benefited from the Tigers’ coaching staff adding the finishing touches to his development. The results speak for themselves, as Montero’s willingness to adapt and refine his game continues to pay dividends on the mound.
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