Miguel Montero Injury: Updates on Cubs Catcher's Back and Return

The Chicago Cubs' title aspirations had hit an early speed bump this season with catcher Miguel Montero battling an injury to his back. However, he's ready to return to the field. 

Continue for updates. 

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Montero Active vs. Pirates

Saturday, May 14

The Cubs announced Montero is starting and batting eighth on Saturday against Pittsburgh.  

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Montero Placed on DL

Thursday, April 28

Per Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs placed Montero on the disabled list and called up Tim Federowicz to take his place. 

Montero sat out with back stiffness for Chicago's game on April 26 against the Milwaukee Brewers. 

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Montero's Bat, Glove Crucial to Cubs 

After being acquired by the Cubs prior to last season, Montero had a strong bounce-back campaign with a .248/.345/.409 slash line in 113 games. 

As good as Montero was with the bat in 2015 though, his real effect was felt on defense. He ranked sixth among all catchers in runs above average and plus-calls, which reflects the number of "favorable" strikes called received, per StatCorner.com.  

Even though there are bigger stars on the Cubs, Montero is among the most indispensable players on the roster.