Montero is dealing with back pain, which could cause him to miss the NLCS, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montero dealt with back issues all season, and it seems that those problems have represented themselves at the worst possible time. It's unclear how severe the issue is, but his status for the series should become clear as Saturday's game time approaches. If the catcher is left off the roster, there's speculation that his spot would be filled by a relief pitcher.

Montero is out of the lineup Sunday against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Montero has started two of the last three games for Chicago, but will take a seat Sunday to give way to Jon Lester's personal catcher, David Ross.

Montero went 3-for-5 -- all singles -- with three RBI and a run in Wednesday's win over the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

He'd been out of the lineup three of the last four games, but was able to get back in there and produce. With the Cubs probably looking to get Willson Contreras some extra off days down the stretch, Montero could see a tad more playing time than usual, although the team might also rest him and use depth options at catcher.

Montero went 1-for-3 with a game-winning solo homer and walk in Friday's 5-4 extra-inning victory over the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran backstop was the hero, launching his seventh round-tripper of the season off reliever Blaine Boyer to lead off the 10th and send the Cubs home winners. Montero has had a tough season at the plate, but is now 8-for-22 with three doubles, two solo homers, a walk and four runs in September.

Montero is not in Saturday's lineup against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran received a rare start Friday, going 0-for-2 with two walks and lowering his average to .195. Willson Contreras returns behind the plate to catch Jason Hammel as Montero's playing time continues to decrease.

Montero started and went 0-for-4 against the Cardinals on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs banged out 14 hits, but Montero didn't join the hit parade. Meanwhile Willson Contreras started in left and hit a home run, so even on the rare days Montero starts he falls farther behind Contreras on the depth chart. He's played just eight games since July 26, and he's 1-for-21 in that span. He's slashing just .185/.313/.309 this year.

Montero is out of the lineup Sunday against the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

It's no secret Montero has lost meaningful playing time since the arrival of Wilson Contreras, but the backstop had actually found his way into the starting lineup in four of the last six games. He'll take a seat Sunday, however, once again giving way to Contreras behind the plate.

Montero is out of the lineup Sunday against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Montero had started three of the last four overall, but will rest Sunday for the second straight day. WIlson Contreras was behind the plate Saturday, and Jon Lester's personal catcher, David Ross, will get the call Sunday afternoon.

Montero started at catcher and hit a two-run homer against Pittsburgh on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The starts have been few and far between for Montero since Willson Contreras joined the active roster a few weeks ago. Contreras started in left field Friday before taking over for Montero behind the plate in the eighth inning, so Montero can't even get a full game's worth of at-bats on the rare occasions that he gets to start.

Montero is out of the lineup Monday against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Montero actually recorded 1.1 innings as a pitcher in Sunday's blowout loss, so he'll get the day off Monday in favor of Willson Contreras behind the plate. Manager Joe Maddon seems intent on getting Contreras regular starts, and as of late, they have come at Montero's expense.