Montgomery (shoulder) is expected to throw off a mound this weekend, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery has been limited to long toss early in camp due to shoulder stiffness, but as expected, he's ready to resume mound work after taking a few days off. The southpaw should be ready to go by Opening Day, barring any setbacks.

Montgomery is battling left shoulder stiffness and won't throw off a mound for two or three days, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The injury doesn't seem to be particularly concerning, as he's still able to throw long toss and will only be kept off the mound for a few days. It seems likely that he'll have more than enough time to be ready by Opening Day, though the lefty did miss time with shoulder inflammation late last season, so it's at least something to keep an eye on for the Cubs.

Montgomery signed a one-year, $2.44 million deal with the Cubs on Friday to avoid arbitration, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery had a 3.99 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 86:39 K:BB over 124 innings as he bounced between the bullpen and starting rotation in 2018. The 29-year-old's flexibility has been valuable for the Cubs over the last few years and he seems likely to fill a similar role in 2019.

Montgomery allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and no walks while striking out one across 2.1 innings Sunday against the Cardinals. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery stumbled out of the block, allowing a double to lead off the game that ultimately came around to score -- the only earned run he allowed. However, he allowed a double in all three innings he pitched, and got a quick hook with National League Central title on the line. Montgomery's appearances were split evenly between starts and pitching out of the bullpen -- he made 19 appearances in each capacity -- and finished the regular season with a 3.99 ERA and 1.37 WHIP to go along with 86 strikeouts across 124 innings.

Montgomery (5-6) allowed five runs on seven hits and one walk across four innings Tuesday while taking the loss against the Pirates. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery started well enough, but he ran into trouble in the third inning and allowed a three-run home run before escaping the frame. The lefty allowed another run in the fourth inning and put the leadoff hitter on in the fifth, later watching from the dugout as he came around to score against the bullpen. Montgomery delivered a quality start in his previous outing, but he's now failed to complete five innings in five of his last six appearances and has a 3.99 ERA for the season. He's scheduled to make his final regular-season start Sunday against the Cardinals.

Montgomery (5-5) got the win Tuesday, allowing one run on four hits and a walk while striking out eight against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery was sharp all night, with the lone blemish coming on a solo home run off the bat of Ketel Marte with two outs in the second. The southpaw lasted six innings for the first time since August 7 and notched a season high with the eight punchouts. He'll take a 3.75 ERA into Monday's home start against Pittsburgh.

Montgomery tossed four innings Thursday, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk in the 4-3 win over Washington. He struck out two and gave up a homer in the no-decision.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery put up another decent but lackluster start, his second straight outing allowing two runs and three hits across four innings. He allowed a solo homer to Spencer Kieboom in the third frame to open the game's scoring. On the year, the 29-year-old owns a 3.87 ERA and 74:37 K:BB in 111.2 innings. Montgomery will likely take on Arizona next Tuesday.

Montgomery will starts Thursday against the Nationals, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery had his previous start -- which was scheduled for Sunday -- rained out, and the Cubs opted to skip his turn in the rotation with a key divisional series against the Brewers on tap. He'll slot back into the rotation during Thursday's makeup game against Washington, assuming it doesn't get postponed. The southpaw owns a serviceable 3.85 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 72 strikeouts through 107.2 innings (34 appearances, 15 starts) this season.

Montgomery will be skipped in the rotation after his scheduled start Sunday was rained out, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

With the NL Central lead on the line, the Cubs will instead send Jon Lester, Jose Quintana and Kyle Hendricks to the hill Monday through Wednesday in an attempt to stave off Milwaukee. It's unclear when Montgomery would pitch next at the moment, though if he stays on turn after the Milwaukee series, he would likely pitch during the early portion of next weekend's series with the Reds.

Montgomery did not factor into the decision in Thursday's win over the Braves, as he allowed four earned runs on eight hits and a walk across 4.1 innings. He struck out six.

EDGE Analysis

The six strikeouts were nice, but Montgomery otherwise struggled in this one. The lefty ran into trouble in the fifth inning, when he allowed two singles and a triple to open the frame before getting yanked with one out. Montgomery was making his first appearance since Aug. 11 after spending time on the DL with left shoulder inflammation, so a little rust was to be expected. He'll look to improve in his next start, which is slated for Tuesday against the Brewers in an important game in the NL Central race.