Detroit Tigers Call Up Chase Lee Amid Bullpen Struggles

DETROIT, MI – The Detroit Tigers made a significant roster change on Tuesday as they deal with a taxed bullpen. They recalled right-handed pitcher Chase Lee from Triple-A Toledo, marking his first trip to the Major League level.

Lee, a 26-year-old sidearming reliever, takes the place of Keider Montero, who was optioned back to Toledo after a tough start on Monday night against the San Diego Padres. Montero, who allowed three earned runs over 4 1/3 innings in the Tigers’ 6-4 victory, had posted a 7.71 ERA in his two starts this season.

The Tigers acquired Lee during a trade last July with the Texas Rangers. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 amateur draft and has been developing in the Tigers’ minor league system. Despite posting a 6.75 ERA this season in Toledo, his strikeout rate of over 30% suggested he can be an effective reliever.

“We need depth in the bullpen, especially after recent injuries,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. With Beau Brieske and John Brebbia on the injured list, the team is looking for fresh legs. Lee’s sidearm delivery and ability to generate strikeouts could help the team manage its pitching challenges.

During his time with the Mud Hens this season, Lee recorded 12 strikeouts over 9 1/3 innings. His strikeout ability stands out, making him an attractive option despite a high ERA. Lee uses a unique combination of pitches, including a sweeper and a sinking fastball, to navigate matchups against hitters.

Although he is still unproven at the major league level, Lee has shown promise in his minor league outings. If his performance matches his potential, he could become an essential part of the Tigers’ bullpen. Meanwhile, Montero’s development continues as he works on command and consistency while playing for Toledo.

As the Tigers continue to face a challenging stretch of games with limited off days, they hope Lee can quickly adapt and contribute to their efforts. His debut is highly anticipated by fans eager to see how he handles the pressures of Major League Baseball.