Theo Epstein Says Miguel Montero's Comments Made Him a 'Bad Teammate'

Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein weighed in on the Miguel Montero controversy on Wednesday after the veteran catcher publicly called out pitcher Jake Arrieta for being slow to the plate and was promptly designated for assignment by the team, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com.

"When something goes wrong on the field we expect our players to take the blame, step up and proactively assume the blame for it, even if it's not their fault," Epstein said, according to Rogers. "That's the way to be a good teammate. He completely agreed when it was pointed out to him and he apologized."

He continued: "After thinking about it some more, I just came to the conclusion that now more than ever we need to be a team. This was an example of being a bad teammate publicly and that we'd be better off moving on and not standing for it."

Manager Joe Maddon echoed Epstein's thoughts.

"Regardless of Jake saying it would not have impacted the clubhouse, I think it would have," he said. "There are too many young guys in there that are impressionable. You don't want to foster, nurture or condone that kind of message."

The controversy began on Tuesday night after the Washington Nationals stole seven bases against the Cubs in a 6-1 Chicago loss. Montero, who has thrown out just one base stealer in 31 attempts this season, criticized Arrieta for being slow to the plate.

"That's the reason they were running left and right today, because they [Arrieta] were slow to the plate," Montero said, per Rogers. "Simple as that. It's a shame it's my fault because I didn't throw anyone out."

Those comments clearly didn't play well in Chicago's clubhouse, with Anthony Rizzo offering the most pointed take.

"It's his second time barking at the media and not just going to his teammates," Rizzo said during an interview on ESPN 1000 on Wednesday, per John Silver and Madeline Kenney of the Chicago Sun-Times. "As a veteran like he is, you'd think he'd make smart decisions about it."

"We win as a team and we lose as a team. When you start pointing fingers, I think that labels you as a selfish player. We have another catcher who throws everyone out who steals."

Montero, 33, is hitting .286 with four home runs and eight RBI this season. But his poor defense and Tuesday night's comments ultimately made him expendable.

Montero said he did apologize to Arrieta and said the pitcher was fine with the apology and agreed with the catcher, per Rogers. Clearly, however, that wasn't enough for the Cubs.