Montgomery is battling a lat issue which is separate from the injury he suffered early in camp, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's presumably a positive that Montgomery isn't dealing with a recurrence of the same injury, but it's a concern that he's now dealt with two separate shoulder problems, especially since he also battled shoulder issues last season. He plans to play catch Sunday and hopes to only miss the minimum 10 required days on the injured list.

Montgomery was placed on the injured list with an undisclosed injury Saturday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery battled shoulder problems in camp and hasn't looked good through his first four appearances of the season, allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits in just 2.2 innings. Kyle Ryan is expected to take his place in the bullpen.

Montgomery (shoulder) covered two frames in relief Tuesday in the Cubs' 12-3 exhibition loss to the Reds. He gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits and didn't record a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery was making his Cactus League debut after left shoulder discomfort delayed his entry into the Cubs' pitching schedule. While Montgomery's results weren't great, the Cubs' decision to send him out for second inning implies there isn't much concern about his shoulder as Opening Day approaches. Montgomery will begin the season as a long man out of the bullpen and will represent one of the top options for a spot start whenever the Cubs require one.

After appearing in a simulated game Friday, Montgomery (shoulder) is on track to start his next time through the rotation, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery tossed two innings in Friday's sim game and looks to be past the shoulder stiffness that plagued him earlier this spring. The Cubs plan on once again building up the lefty as a swingman who can pitch in long relief and also make occasional starts this season.

Montgomery (shoulder) will participate in a second simulated game Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Shoulder stiffness slowed Montgomery's start to camp and has so far kept him out of Cactus League action, but he's still been able to throw quite a lot. The lefty has had several bullpen sessions, a live batting practice session and now a pair of sim games. It remains unclear when he'll get into a proper spring training game, though his odds of being ready for Opening Day appear to be good.

Montgomery (shoulder) threw a two-inning simulated game Monday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery fired 29 pitches and reported feeling healthy and strong afterwards. It's still unclear when the southpaw will make his Cactus League debut, though he's trending in the right direction and expects to be ready for Opening Day, barring any setbacks.

Montgomery (shoulder) will throw a simulated game Monday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery's slow and steady progress continues as he battles shoulder stiffness. The injury doesn't appear to be a major one, and he'll be ready for Opening Day, barring setbacks, though the Cubs' cautious approach makes sense for a player who dealt with shoulder inflammation late last season.

Montgomery (shoulder) threw his first live batting practice session of the spring Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery continues to trend in the right direction as he works through some early-spring shoulder stiffness. After a handful of throwing sessions, he's likely due for a return to game action at some point soon and doesn't appear to be much of a risk for Opening Day.

Montgomery (shoulder) threw 30 pitches off a mound Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery incorporated all of his pitches during the session and said he felt great afterwards. The southpaw will progress to live batting practice later in the week (likely Friday), and if everything checks out OK he could be cleared for game action shortly thereafter. Montgomery said he is not worried about his availability for Opening Day.

Montgomery's shoulder feels good after throwing off a mound at about 80 percent Saturday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The southpaw missed time due to shoulder inflammation late in 2018, and shoulder stiffness has slowed his start to camp. He's trending in the right direction but is still at least a few days away from returning to game action, as he has another bullpen session scheduled for Tuesday.