Miguel Montero Criticizes Pitchers for Not Holding Runners in Loss vs. Nationals

Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero had some harsh words for starting pitcher Jake Arrieta following Tuesday night's 6-1 loss to the Washington Nationals.

According to The Athletic's Sahadev Sharma, Montero lit into Arrieta after the Cubs surrendered seven stolen bases, including four to Trea Turner, over the game's first four innings:

Turner tied the franchise record with four steals in a game, while the Nationals set a new team record by swiping seven bags total.

Two of Turner's steals came in the first inning, while the last two came in the bottom of the third. Center fielder Michael A. Taylor got in on the action with a pair of steals in the bottom of the fourth and third baseman Anthony Rendon notched one in the same frame.

According to ESPN.com's Eddie Matz, Montero has been historically underwhelming behind the plate in 2017:"The seven steals off Montero means the Cubs are now 1-for-32 (3 percent) this season throwing out would-be base stealers. Montero, who also made a throwing error in the game, is on pace for the lowest caught-stealing percentage (minimum 25 attempts) for a Cubs catcher since at least 1969."

Following Tuesday's loss, the Cubs (39-38) have now dropped three of their last five.

The defending champions will attempt to get back on track in the nation's capital Wednesday night when John Lackey takes the mound against Stephen Strasburg.