Montero snipes at Arrieta for steals

Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Montero blamed pitcher Jake Arrieta for allowing seven stolen bases in a 6-1 loss to the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night.

Montero unloaded on Arrieta for his slow delivery not giving him a chance to throw out baserunners.

“It really sucked because the stolen bases go to me, and when you really look at it, the pitcher doesn’t give me any time,” Montero said. “So it’s just like, ‘Yeah, OK, Miggy can’t throw nobody out,’ but my pitcher doesn’t hold anybody on . ...

“That’s the reason why they were running left and right today because they know he was slow to the plate. Simple as that. It’s a shame that it’s my fault because I didn’t throw anybody out.”

The seven stolen bases — four by Trea Turner, two by Michael Taylor and one by Anthony Rendon — tied a Montreal Expos/Nationals franchise record.

Montero, who had an error on a throw to third, said it’s frustrating for a catcher to get the ball and see a runner almost to the base.

“It was a couple times I didn’t even try to throw because it was no time, it was no chance to throw nobody (out) there, so why am I even going to make a throw?” Montero said. “It really hurt me. He hurt me. I feel like I can still throw, like I got a good arm, my arm feels great. I just try to be quicker, I try to be perfect and to make those two together, it’s hard to do.”

Briefly: Indians manager Terry Francona missed Tuesday night’s game against Texas after his second trip to the hospital this month. The team said doctors for now have ruled out major health issues . ... Yankees second baseman Starlin Castro was placed on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring . ... Red Sox manager John Farrell missed Tuesday’s game against the Twins after being suspended for one game after poking umpire Bill Miller in the chest during an animated argument over the weekend . ... The Brewers activated outfielder Ryan Braun and second baseman Jonathan Villar from the DL . ... The Rays released former A’s catcher Derek Norris, designated for assignment Friday.