Chicago Cubs' Bote eager to get back at it
MESA, Ariz. - David Bote was back on the practice field Tuesday, working out and taking batting practice.
The Chicago Cubs infielder was hit on the batting helmet Sunday by San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner.
Bote left the game under his own power and was checked out immediately by the Giants' medical staff.
"We went through all the correct things," Bote said. "I'm not in concussion protocol. There's no concussion. But we went through many, many, many tests. I'm thankful for the Giants' medical staff, as well as our medical staff.
"They did a thorough, thorough job. I'm like, 'Hey, I'm good, guys. Let's go.' The Cubs and the Giants have done nothing but state-of-the-art process. Madison called me after the game to apologize. Then he texted me again the next morning. He's an ultimate pro. "He definitely does not have to do that. But he did, and it means a lot."
Bote is hopeful of being able to play Wednesday against the Texas Rangers in Surprise.
On the way back:
Left-hander Mike Montgomery threw 30 pitches during a bullpen session Tuesday. Montgomery came to camp experiencing a "dead-arm" issue.
"Better than I thought," he said of the session. "Curveball feels good. I was pretty happy with it."
Montgomery previously had thrown a 20-pitch bullpen session. He said the next step will be to take two days off and then throw a session of live batting practice and then repeat that before he gets into game action. He likely will open the season as a swing man.
This and that:
Right fielder Jason Heyward was a late lineup scratch Tuesday for what the Cubs said were personal reasons. … Cole Hamels starts Wednesday against his former team, the Rangers. He will be opposed by Edinson Volquez.
Scouting report
Scouting report
Blackhawks vs. Anaheim Ducks, 9 p.m. at the Honda Center
TV: NBCSN • Radio: WGN 720-AM
The skinny: Anaheim is 5-19-4 since Dec. 17, although the Ducks did beat Washington 5-2 on Feb. 17 and Minnesota 4-0 on Feb. 19. … Anaheim fired coach Randy Carlyle on Feb. 10 and put general manager Bob Murray in charge on an interim basis. … Ryan Getzlaf (11G, 28A) has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury. It is not clear if he will be able to play. … The Ducks have been held to zero or 1 goal 25 times, and have a league-low 136 goals. Through Monday, the next worst teams were the Kings (146), Stars (157) and Coyotes (161). … The Hawks and Ducks have split the season series.
Next: Los Angeles Kings, 3 p.m. Saturday at Staples Center
- John Dietz