Hinch’s Pitching Call Sparks Outcry as Tigers’ Record Slumps to Worst in MLB
Manager A.J. Hinch faces mounting pressure after removing a dominant starter, a decision that coincided with a bullpen collapse and extended Detroit’s losing streak to 21 of 25 games.
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is facing intensified scrutiny from fans following a 2-1 defeat to the Chicago White Sox on 31 May 2026. The loss, which completed a series sweep, has drawn criticism for a specific managerial decision that many view as a pivotal error in a season that has spiralled out of control. The Tigers now hold a 22-38 record, the worst in Major League Baseball, extending their losing streak to 21 games in their last 25 contests.
The controversy centres on Hinch’s decision to remove starting pitcher Keider Montero after six scoreless innings. Montero had delivered a highly efficient performance, allowing just two hits, issuing no walks, and striking out four batters while using only 65 pitches. Despite appearing healthy and in complete control, Montero was pulled from the game. Following the match, Montero expressed surprise at the move, stating there was no indication of injury and that he felt capable of continuing.
Hinch defended the choice post-game, citing strategic considerations in a tight 1-0 contest. He noted that reliever Drew Anderson had been effective against left-handed hitters, a demographic advantage Hinch sought to exploit. However, the tactical gamble failed immediately. After Anderson recorded one out, he surrendered a game-tying home run to Colson Montgomery. The White Sox subsequently strung together three consecutive hits to take a 2-1 lead, which they maintained for the remainder of the match.
The defeat was particularly stinging given the context of the opponent. The White Sox lost 223 games over the previous two seasons, making the sweep feel like a self-inflicted wound rather than a competitive defeat. For Detroit, the loss highlighted a broader organisational crisis. Entering the 2026 season as favourites to win the American League Central and viewed as legitimate World Series contenders, the Tigers have failed to meet expectations across multiple fronts, including injuries, roster construction, and offensive struggles.
While Hinch remains one of the most respected managers in baseball and credited with guiding Detroit’s resurgence in previous seasons, the current performance has eroded some of that goodwill. The intensity of the backlash reflects the team’s dire situation, where every managerial decision is magnified by the poor results. As the Tigers continue to find new ways to lose, the frustration surrounding the organisation is growing, with Sunday’s pitching change serving as a focal point for broader dissatisfaction.
