Cubs drop catcher after he criticized teammate
In a moderately surprising move, the Cubs designated catcher Miguel Montero for assignment.
The designation follows Montero’s public criticism of starter Jake Arrieta’s delivery time. The Nationals stole seven bases in Tuesday’s 6-1 win over Chicago, and Montero blamed Arrieta after the game.
"That's the reason why they were running left and right today because they know he (Arrieta) was slow to the plate,” Montero said. “Simple as that. It's a shame that it's my fault because I didn't throw anybody out."
Opponents were 31-for-32 in steal attempts against Montero this season. He picked off the Rockies’ Charlie Blackmon on June 9.
Teammate Anthony Rizzo wasn’t fond of Montero’s comments.
Rizzo on Miggy's comments:
— ESPN 1000 (@ESPN1000) June 28, 2017
"When you point fingers you're a selfish player. We have another catcher that throws everyone out."
Montero, who hit a grand slam in the 2016 NLCS to help the Cubs overcome the Dodgers, bid farewell to Chicago.
To the city of Chicago
— Miguel Montero (@miggymont26) June 28, 2017
Dear fans, today I say goodbye to the greatest fans. I want to thank you for the support.
Thoughts were plentiful on Twitter.
Pop time on Miguel Montero DFA, 12.6 hours
— Daren Willman (@darenw) June 28, 2017
Miguel Montero got DFA'd so fast that Jake Arrieta's still not done delivering his fifth pitch from last night
— Nick Stellini (@StelliniTweets) June 28, 2017
Waiting for this press release:#Cubs DFA Miguel Montero, activate David Ross from front office.
— Scott Krinch (@scottiekrinch) June 28, 2017
📎 (@jessespector) June 28, 2017Miguel Montero went from DGAF to DFA in about 12 hours.
— Jesse Spector
Bottom line on Montero: You can't say what he did, even if there was truth to his remarks. As Rizzo said - unprofessional.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 28, 2017
About the Author
Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.
