Can't say I love Tigers starting pitcher Keider Montero (1-1. 5.19 ERA), but the entire bullpen is available behind him today after ace Tarik Skubal threw a complete game on Sunday. The Giants are sitting arguably their hottest hitter in Heliot Ramos. Opener Hayden Birdsong has been pretty good overall with a 1.91 ERA but that number is 3.68 on the road and some of his overall metrics are shaky. SF used its top three relievers each for an inning yesterday. I always like home teams but especially in front of huge holiday crowds. And we don't even need a win.

Two quality teams going at it early on Monday and I'm focused on fading the lesser pitcher. Keider Montero has not been good this season and has allowed plenty of hard contact, plenty of base runners and plenty of walks. Hayden Birdsong continues to be in audition mode and has fared well and while his expected numbers aren't great, he's the better option versus Montero. Both sets of bats have slowed a bit and I think this First Five can get distilled down to a Montero fade.