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.
Montero, who hit a grand slam in the 2016 NLCS to help the Cubs overcome the Dodgers, bid farewell to Chicago.
Thoughts were plentiful on Twitter.
