Tigers trade for veteran reliever Rafael Montero from Braves

Rafael Montero
Photo credit © D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

The Tigers have added a veteran right-hander to their bullpen.

Detroit has acquired reliever Rafael Montero from the Braves in exchange for minor league infielder Jim Jarvis, ahead of Thursday's 6 p.m. trade deadline.

Montero has a 5.40 ERA in 39 games this between the Braves and the Astros, with 34 strikeouts to 21 walks in 34 1/3 innings. The best season of his 11-year career came in 2022 with the World Champion Astros when he posted a 2.37 ERA in 71 outings, followed by a 1.93 ERA in 10 postseason outings.

The Tigers will hope to add that version of Montero to their bullpen, which ranks 20th in the majors in ERA (4.16).

Montero, 34, has a 4.76 ERA in 360 career games. He's also pitched for the Mets, Rangers and Mariners.

Jarvis, 24, is currently playing for Double-A Erie, where he's batting .242 with two homers in 77 games this season. He was originally selected by the Tigers in the 11th round of the 2023 draft.

Featured Image Photo Credit: © D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images