Frankie Montas of the Reds is unlikely to start his next scheduled game after sustaining a forearm bruise during Sunday’s game against the Angels.
He exited the game in the first inning after being hit by a line drive from Taylor Ward. Despite managing to throw Ward out at first base, Montas left the mound following an examination by the team trainer.
While X-rays showed no fractures, Montas expressed doubts to reporters, citing soreness and swelling, about his ability to make his next start on Friday against the Rangers.
Given the tight schedule with no off-days until May 2, the Reds may need to consider placing Montas on the injured list to avoid being short-handed, although they plan to assess his condition before making a final decision.
Montas has posted a 4.19 ERA over 19 1/3 innings for Cincinnati this season, with inconsistent performances following two strong starts at the beginning of the campaign.
In other news from the NL Central:
– Adbert Alzolay of the Cubs pitched a perfect eighth inning in Sunday’s loss to the Marlins. Cubs manager Craig Counsell had indicated before the game that Alzolay wouldn’t be used in a save situation. Alzolay, who served as Chicago’s closer last season, has struggled this year, blowing four of seven save opportunities.
Counsell emphasized the need to rebuild Alzolay’s confidence, attributing his struggles to mechanical issues rather than a lack of belief in himself.
The Cubs are yet to decide on a replacement for Alzolay in the closer role.
– The Cardinals made roster moves ahead of Sunday’s game, calling up catcher Pedro Pages and right-hander Nick Robertson from Triple-A Memphis.
They optioned righty Andre Pallante and outfielder Victor Scott II. Pallante, who has been used as a reliever, will start in Triple-A to work on improving his two-seam fastball.
Scott, initially included on the Opening Day roster due to outfield injuries, has struggled at the Major League level, prompting his demotion.
Pages’ call-up provides the Cardinals with flexibility in using catchers Willson Contreras and Ivan Herrera in the lineup, as both have been among the few productive hitters for the struggling St. Louis offense.
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