Cubs stand by decision to release Montero

Jake Arrieta appears to be more forgiving than the Chicago Cubs organization.

The Cubs decided to cut catcher Miguel Montero on Wednesday — a reprimand for his criticism of Arrieta on Tuesday night that ran afoul of the club’s standards and deemed too detrimental to the team.

Arrieta was far more sympathetic — even going as far as to accept part of the blame for the dispute that arose after the Washington Nationals stole seven bases against the Arrieta-Montero tandem Tuesday night.

“We talked. I love Miggy. As you guys know, he’ll say some things from the heart on how he feels, and he’s open and honest,” Arrieta said Wednesday. “He regretted what he said and he felt bad about it. I told him that I’m not upset or mad at him. I didn’t ever really see the comments, and I don’t care what they were.”

The Cubs’ swift decision ended any effort to resolve the issue internally, but Arrieta and first baseman Anthony Rizzo seemed to believe it could have been overcome.

“We are grown men,” Rizzo said. “A couple words, if they hurt your feelings in this industry, especially in the clubhouse, you’re in the wrong one. I think as men you always settle it and keep it in house.”

Added Arrieta: “Miggy and I hashed it out. We had a good conversation. I know that’s the move they decided to make, and obviously that’s the move they feel is best for the team. That’s their call, and we’ll stick by it and move forward.”

Montero ran afoul of the Cubs when he placed the blame for the Nationals’ informal track meet on Arrieta’s deliberate delivery. Montero had thrown out one runner in 31 attempts this year, regardless of pitcher.

“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 after the game. “Simple as that.

“It’s a shame that it’s my fault because I didn’t throw anybody out.”

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer revealed Wednesday that he, manager Joe Maddon and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein sat down with Montero on Tuesday night to discuss the catcher’s postgame rant and ultimately decided to designate him for assignment.

Maddon felt it would have been a poor decision to allow Montero’s actions to go unpunished on a team with the eighth-youngest roster in the majors.