The Chicago Cubs have announced a significant setback for catcher Miguel Amaya, who has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left oblique strain sustained during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. The injury occurred while Amaya was making a routine throw to second base in the fifth inning, forcing him to exit the game. An MRI revealed that he will be sidelined for 4–6 weeks .([Reuters][1], [Bleed Cubbie Blue][2])
Amaya, 26, had been performing well, batting .286 with nine doubles and four home runs in 26 games. In his absence, veteran catcher Reese McGuire has been called up from Triple-A Iowa to join the Cubs in Cincinnati. McGuire, 30, has 355 MLB games under his belt and is known for his defensive skills, particularly in throwing out base stealers. He signed with the Cubs on a minor-league deal in January and was briefly released in May before rejoining the team shortly before his call-up. At Iowa, he batted .280 with three home runs and 19 RBIs in 22 games .([Bleed Cubbie Blue][3], [Reuters][1])
Until Amaya’s return, Carson Kelly is expected to assume the majority of catching duties. The Cubs are also considering other options, including top catching prospect Moisés Ballesteros, who is excelling offensively in Triple-A Iowa. However, the team is hesitant to promote him due to concerns about his defensive readiness .([Bleed Cubbie Blue][3], [Bleed Cubbie Blue][2])
This injury adds to the Cubs’ challenges behind the plate, as they navigate the absence of a key player in their lineup.([MLB.com][4])
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