Cubs Call Up Montanez From Triple-A Iowa
CHICAGO (CBS) The Chicago Cubs have called up outfielder Lou Montanez from Triple-A Iowa, the team announced on Tuesday.
Montanez was the Cubs' first pick in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft and spent seven years on the organization's minor-league system. In 2006 he was declared a minor league free agent and was signed by the Baltimore Orioles. He made his major league debut with the Orioles in 2008.
The Cubs signed Montanez to a minor league contact on January 12, 2011 and he was a non-roster invitee during spring training.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Montanez, the Cubs transferred right-handed pitcher Brian Schlitter to the 60-day disabled list.
In 42 games wit the Iowa Cubs this season, Montanez had a .369 batting average with five homers, 11 doubles, three triples and 43 runs batted in.
Byrd was placed on the DL with multiple facial fractures after being hit with a pitch below hit left eye in the second inning of Saturday's win over the Red Sox.
Montanez will wear number 39 and start in right field as the Cubs take on the Mets from Wrigley Field.
