Cubs designate Miguel Montero for assignment

The Cubs have designated catcher Miguel Montero for assignment and called up Victor Caratini, as first reported by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.

The move comes the day after Montero criticized starting pitcher Jake Arrieta for his slow delivery after the Nationals stole seven bases against the Cubs on Tuesday night. Despite Montero being just 1-for-31 throwing out base-stealers this season, he said that Arrieta’s slow delivery “doesn’t give [him] any time” to make a throw.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo responded to Montero on ESPN 1000 on Wednesday, saying that “when you point fingers you’re a selfish player” and that the Cubs “have another catcher that throws everyone out.” Rizzo’s comments seemed to signal a larger issue with Montero, who has been critical of teammates and coaches in past years with Chicago.

Despite Montero’s defensive struggles, he has hit .286/.366/.439 with four homers in 44 games this year, his third season with the Cubs. He is earning $14 million this season, so the Cubs will be on the hook for the rest of that salary even if Montero signs elsewhere.

Caratini, 23, will serve as the backup to Willson Contreras after slashing .343/.384/.539 with eight homers in 68 games for Triple-A Iowa so far this season. The Puerto Rican native was originally selected in the second round of the 2013 draft by the Braves.