Backup catcher Victor Caratini suffered 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.
The Cubs recalled Taylor Davis from Class AAA Iowa before their series opener against the Los Angeles Angels at Wrigley Field to serve as a backup for Willson Contreras.
With Caratini expected to miss at least a month, the Cubs are weighing the option to add a veteran catcher from outside the organization.
“I wouldn’t doubt we’re probably looking a little bit,” manager Joe Maddon said before the game.
The Cubs were looking to add depth to their backstop this winter, but they failed to do so because of the team’s payroll limitations this offseason.
Maddon said Caratini’s injury comes at an unfortunate time given his hot start. This season, Caratini, who broke the hamate bone in his left hand during a seventh-inning at-bat Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, is 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.”
Meanwhile, Davis, who is hitting .143 (2-for-14) with one home run and two RBI in four games for Iowa, is excited to be back on the major-league level.
“I’m just here to help,” Davis 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 on Friday.
The Cubs, who traded La Stella to the Angels in November, greeted their former pinch hitter with a 30-second video tribute before the game. Once the montage of highlights was completed, fans cheer as La Stella stepped out of the visitor dugout and waved his hat at the crowd.
“It’s a special place,” La Stella told reporters before the game. “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-hander Mike Montgomery is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Saturday. The news comes one day after the reliever 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 the Cubs’ six-game homestand, which begins April 19.
