CHICAGO -- Miguel Montero was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Saturday, putting three catchers on the roster for the Chicago Cubs.
Montero had been sidelined by lower back tightness. He went 2 for 10 with two RBIs over three games in a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa.
"I feel good, surprisingly," Montero said. "First day coming in, I was a little skeptical a little bit about blocking and all this, but I got to block a lot of balls. So all the issues that I have going in my mind, not in my body because I was feeling good, obviously felt pretty good blocking and that was kind of a turning point."
Montero, 32, was in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh, batting eighth.
To make room on the roster, outfielder Ryan Kalish was designated for assignment. Kalish was promoted from Iowa on May 3 and batted .286 (2 for 7) in seven games with the Cubs.
The move with Kalish leaves catcher Tim Federowicz in place after he was promoted when Montero went on the DL. The major league-leading Cubs also have veteran catcher David Ross, who hit a three-run homer in Friday's 9-4 victory over the Pirates.
"It gives us more freedom to do things in the latter part of the game," manager Joe Maddon said, "where you know if you've seen us pull catchers early for different maneuvers and then when you're going with just one guy, it gets to extra innings it's never comfortable. It's never comfortable."
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Maddon also said Federowicz's solid play was a factor in how they handled the situation.
The roster makeup could change again when outfielder Matt Szczur comes off the disabled list. He is out with a mild right hamstring strain and is eligible to return on Wednesday.
"He is doing really well," Maddon said. "Bussy (strength and conditioning coordinator Tim Buss) likes his progress. He's moving well."
Indians: Brantley placed on 15-day DL
CLEVELAND -- Michael Brantley's right shoulder needs more rest.
The Indians placed their star left fielder on the 15-day disabled list Saturday -- retroactive to May 10 -- because Brantley is still having issues with his surgically repaired shoulder. This is Brantley's second trip to the DL this season.
Brantley has been bothered by inflammation and fatigue in his shoulder, which he injured late last season while trying to make a diving catch in Minnesota. He had surgery in November.
The 28-year-old recovered more quickly than expected during spring training, and was hoping to be on the club's opening-day roster. However, after he had some discomfort, the Indians took a cautious approach and kept him out when the season started.
After playing the series opener in Houston on Monday, Brantley had some soreness and the Indians sat him for two games against the Astros. He missed his third straight game on Friday as the Indians began a series with Minnesota. The club was hoping another day's rest would help, but the Indians decided Brantley needs an extended period off to get better.
One of the club's best players, Brantley's batting .231 (9 of 39) with seven RBIs in 11 games. Last season, he batted .310 with 15 homers, a league-leading 45 doubles and 84 RBIs in 137 games.
The Indians also purchased the contract of infielder Michael Martinez from Triple-A Columbus.
