Backup catcher Victor Caratini has a broken bone in his left hand and is expected to miss a month after he undergoes surgery scheduled for Monday, the Cubs announced Friday.
Before their series opener against the Angels at Wrigley Field, the Cubs recalled Taylor Davis from Class AAA Iowa to back up Willson Contreras.
Meanwhile, the team is weighing the option of adding a veteran catcher from outside the organization.
“I wouldn’t doubt we’re probably looking a little bit,” manager Joe Maddon said before the Cubs’ victory.
The Cubs wanted to add depth to their backstop this winter but failed to do so because of payroll limitations.
Caratini’s injury — a break of the hamate bone that occurred during his seventh-inning at-bat against the Pirates on Thursday — comes at an unfortunate time, given his hot start. He was hitting .545 (6-for-11) with one double, one homer and four RBI in five games.
“He was upset because he knew how well he was playing,” Maddon said. “He knew what was going on. It’s really unfortunate. It’s just one of those injuries. I’ve been around guys that have had it before — they’re very freakish.”
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Meanwhile, Davis, who was hitting .143 (2-for-14) with one home run and two RBI in four games for Iowa, is excited to be back at the major-league level.
“I’m just here to help,” he said. “I don’t know what they want [or] what they need, but whatever I can do, I’m going to.”
La Stella’s return
Infielder Tommy La Stella made his return to Wrigley Field with the Angels. The Cubs, who traded La Stella in November, greeted their former pinch hitter with a 30-second video tribute before the game. Fans then cheered as La Stella stepped out of the visitors’ dugout and waved his hat.
“It’s a special place,” La Stella said. “It’s a little different walking over to the first-base side, but it’s awesome. I had a lot of great times here with a lot of special people, so it’s great to be back.”
Montgomery update
Left-handed reliever Mike Montgomery is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Saturday. The news came a day after he threw a 26-pitch bullpen session without any issues.
Montgomery could throw in a minor-league rehab game early next week, though his wife is due to deliver their first child Monday. Barring a setback, he’s on track to return for a six-game homestand that begins next Friday.
