Cubs DFA Montero after controversial comments
After allowing seven stolen bases against the Washington Nationals, the Chicago Cubs are reportedly designating their backup catcher Miguel Montero for assignment, a source told Jesse Rogers of ESPN.
Following Montero's rough outing Tuesday night, the 33-year-old was critical of Jake Arrieta's lack of speed to the plate, which he felt afforded him less time to catch baserunners.
Anthony Rizzo came to Arrieta's defense after Montero's tirade though, as the Cubs' star first baseman called the backstop "selfish" and suggested that the team's starting catcher, Willson Contreras, "throws everyone out," according to ESPN 1000.
Related: Cubs' Rizzo slams 'selfish' Montero for Arrieta jabs
For the season, base-stealers are boasting a near 97 percent success rate against Montero, who has caught just one runner of 32 stolen-base attempts - a caught-stealing rate that is 25 percentage points below the league average.
On his way out, Montero parted ways by thanking Cubs fans and teammates for their support.
In his stead, the Cubs have promoted 23-year-old catcher and first baseman Victor Caratini from Triple-A Iowa, a source told Buster Olney of ESPN.
In 68 games in Triple-A this season, the switch-hitting Caratini has slashed .343/.384/.539 and has a 28 percent caught-stealing rate.