After a night that featured seven stolen bases by the Washington Nationals, catcher, Miguel Montero, was Designated For Assignment. It may not have been for the quantity of steals, but for his comments after the game. Montero blasted Jake Arrieta
Montero pointed out that there were seven stolen bases in yesterday's game. However, Montero did so by criticizing Arrieta's slow delivery. It seems that Cubs' upper management took offense to his comments and that resulted in Montero being designated for assignment. No matter what happens, Montero will make the rest of the $7 million that he is owed.
If he is not claimed off of waivers, he will be released.
Not the first time this has happened
For Chicago Cubs fans, this may seem like deja vu when it comes to Miguel Montero making negative remarks about the team. Back in November, the Cubs were celebrating winning a World Series for the first time since 1908, but Montero was too busy making comments about his playing time. He went public by criticizing manager, Joe Maddon, by saying he didn't understand why he wasn't played more. Montero was a key piece for the team last year when he hit a go-ahead grand slam in the NLCS series against the Dodgers, but enough must be enough when it comes to negative energy.
Rizzo defends Arrieta
Chicago Cubs first basemen Anthony Rizzo went on to say that Montero's comments made him a selfish player.
He also said that the team has a catcher that is able to throw people out, referring to Wilson Contreras. Obviously, the upper management is siding with Rizzo on this one.
Caratini called up as replacement
With Kyle Schwarber in the minor leagues, the Cubs needed a backup catcher. Victor Caratini was called up from Triple-A Iowa.
Caratini was part of the 2014 trade with the Braves that sent Emilio Bonifacio and James Russell to Atlanta. Caratini is 23-years old and was hitting .343 in the minor leagues. He is a switch hitter and could get some plate appearances very soon.
Last thing the Cubs needed right now
The Chicago Cubs don't need negative energy right now.
The Cubs are 39-38, and one game back in the division. Chicago has played like an average team all year, so negative comments directed at teammates is unacceptable. The Cubs have the potential to go on a run to take the lead in the division before the All-Star break. The Brewers are vulnerable right now after going 4-6 in their last ten games. The Cubs have one more game against Washington, but have very winnable series matchups against the Reds and Pirates. Right now, if Montero is not on board with helping the team win games, then the Cubs made the right call.
