Hard knocks: Albert Almora Jr. bruised in BP altercation with wall

By Gordon Wittenmyer

You’d think Almora would be more familiar with the perils associated with the brick wall at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs survived a scare before their game Tuesday against the Marlins.

Center fielder Albert Almora Jr. bruised his right arm running into the center-field wall while chasing a fly ball during batting practice.

After hitting the wall, Almora jumped in apparent pain and sat on the grass holding his arm until teammates noticed and waved for the trainer.

After being examined, however, Almora said he was OK and remained in the lineup.

He walked in the second inning and struck out in the fourth.

All or nil

After going hitless Monday in the No. 9 spot, Kyle Schwarber has only three hits in his last 44 at-bats, spanning 15 games. And all three of the hits are home runs. He also had six walks and was hit by a pitch in that stretch.

But the Cubs still aren’t talking about a possible minor-league stint for Schwarber. In fact, Maddon said Schwarber is looking better, pointing out his three walks Sunday. And even one of his foul balls.

“He was right on it, fouled it straight back,” manager Joe -Maddon said. “But it was an elevated pitch that he has not been getting to that he got to. All that stuff is starting to look a little bit better.”

Schwarber’s last hit that wasn’t a homer came May 17.

Pops back in the pen

After the birth of his son Monday, closer Wade Davis returned from the paternity list. Davis, who has converted 18 consecutive save chances dating back to last season, missed one game.

Right-hander Dylan Floro was optioned back to Class AAA Iowa after filling in for Davis in the bullpen.

Mike of all trades

Left-hander Mike Montgomery has made it clear he wants to be a starter, which he was in five games for the Cubs last year.

For now, he’ll settle for 10-out saves. On Monday, he became the first big-leaguer with two of those in a season since 2011.

“What he’s doing right now is so invaluable for us out of the bullpen,” Maddon said. “The wonderful part about it is he accepts all of this, he understands all of this. He’s not a bellyacher.

“He knows that what he’s doing right now is very vital to our success. Eventually he’s going to get that chance to start at some point.”

This and that

Catching depth? Class AAA catcher Victor Caratini, a switch hitter acquired in a trade as an A-ball player from Atlanta in 2014, earned the organization’s player of the month honors after a .366 May that included 10 extra-base hits and a .971 OPS.

• In the Cubs’ last 14 games before Tuesday, 31 of their 45 runs came via 21 home runs (including all the runs in five of those games). They were 7-7 in that stretch.

Follow me on Twitter @GDubCub.

Email: gwittenmyer@suntimes.com