Chicago Cubs: Injury bug nips at Montero, Bryant

The Chicago Cubs placed Miguel Montero on the 15-day DL and then saw Kris Bryant leave today’s 7-2 win early after rolling his ankle. These are all part of a long season and are to be expected.

By his own admission, Chicago Cubs‘ catcher Miguel Montero knows he isn’t a kid anymore. And with another “elder” backing him up in David Ross, the smart move was to place him on the DL to give his ailing back some more rest. While many may have been hoping for Wilson Contreras, it’s Tim Federowicz is who gets the call.

While Contreras continues to play well at Triple-A Iowa (.375 in 56 at-bats), Federowicz has played well at Iowa too (.303 in 33 at-bats) and is in the organization for situations just like this. Maddon has said it’s about the development of Contreras and that’s why you’re unlikely to see him until later this year.

"“We had to make a choice and Federowicz is here for a reason,” he said. He had a great spring training. You’re looking at the overall development of Contreras. In your mind’s eye if you’re putting this whole thing together you’re probably going to wait until the second half hopefully to get him involved here.”"

Federowicz is a journeyman catcher, but he understands the game and what his role will be. Contreras could very well come up and have success, similar to what Kyle Schwarber did last season. But there’s no reason to force the issue as Montero is likely to be back in about 10 days.

Bryant suffered a sprained ankle in today’s victory, although he never appeared to favor it before leaving the game in the fifth inning. He rolled it running the bases in the third inning. An MRI revealed a mild sprain and his availability for tomorrow is uncertain.

Next: Will Baez be an everyday starter?

Bryant remained in the game for several innings after injuring it, so take that for what you will as to the severity of the injury. We’ll have more info and analysis of today’s game later this evening. Be sure to stop back for more later tonight!