Montero taking it slow in recovery from back strain

PHOENIX -- D-backs catcher Miguel Montero had an epidural injection in his lower back Friday and rested through the weekend before returning to the training room Tuesday. While Montero said he hopes to be ready for the club's next road trip beginning Aug. 16, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said that the catcher is "not close."

On the 15-day disabled list retroactive to July 29 with a lower back strain, Montero was told by doctors to stay away from baseball activities so the inflammation has a chance to subside.

"It's hard to get it [inflammation] down when I'm swinging a bat and going day to day," Montero said. "So far, so good. It feels better. I did a bunch of core exercises [Tuesday] and I felt really good. Obviously there is still time to go, though. The worst thing I can do is reinjure it."

Montero is hitting .228 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs in 92 games this season.