In the Cubs vs. Reds middle of Saturday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya was forced to leave the game early due to a left oblique strain suffered during a routine play — one that turned out to be anything but.
Amaya was making a throw to second base after Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz stole the bag in the fifth inning when he felt something go wrong.
“It was just a normal throw,” Amaya explained after the game. “But it didn’t feel right. I tried again and couldn’t finish the play. I’m disappointed I have to sit out now. We’ll wait for the scan results.”
Setback for Rising Catcher
This injury comes at a tough time for Amaya, who had been showing signs of turning a corner this season. The 25-year-old was batting .286 with four homers and 25 RBIs across 27 games and had become a regular presence behind the plate alongside Carson Kelly .
His performance had offered hope that he could finally stay healthy and contribute consistently after a string of setbacks — including Tommy John surgery in 2021 and a Lisfranc fracture in his foot the following year.
Manager Craig Counsell confirmed postgame that Amaya would be placed on the injured list and will undergo imaging tests in Chicago early next week.
“He’s played well,” Counsell said. “He swung the bat really well, had some big hits for us. We’re hoping for the best.”
Kelly Steps Up in Big Spot
With Amaya out, Carson Kelly took over catching duties and responded with a strong performance. He finished the night 2-for-4 with a solo home run off the left-field foul pole in the ninth inning — his ninth homer of the season, which ranks third among all catchers in MLB.
Kelly has quietly been one of the more consistent performers behind the plate, hitting .301 and providing both power and defensive reliability.
Who’s Next? Ballesteros or McGuire?
To replace Amaya on the roster, the Cubs are expected to bring up either Moisés Ballesteros or Reese McGuire .
Ballesteros, one of the top prospects in the system, got a taste of the majors earlier this season, going 3-for-16 with three RBIs during a brief call-up. His bat and defensive tools give the team optimism for the future.
McGuire, meanwhile, recently rejoined the organization on a minor-league deal after being released just days before. He brings experience and flexibility, having caught and played first base in the past.
What’s Next for the Cubs?
The timing of Amaya’s injury couldn’t be worse for the Cubs, especially with the team navigating a crucial stretch of the season. But injuries are part of the game, and someone will need to step in and fill the void quickly.
For now, the focus turns to what the MRI reveals and how long Amaya might be sidelined. If history is any indication, an oblique strain can keep a player out anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.
