Just one game after returning from a 60-day IL stint, Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya sprained his left ankle and is headed back to IL. What this means for the Cubs lineup and roster.
Miguel Amaya Injury Context
Miguel Amaya’s return to the Cubs was heartbreakingly brief. Activated from the 60-day IL just yesterday after a left oblique injury, the catcher was carted off the field in the eighth inning of Wednesday’s game in Toronto after awkwardly stepping on first base and spraining his left ankle. X-rays were negative, but the Cubs confirmed he is headed right back to the IL.
What Actually Happened?
Arriving for just his first game back, Amaya beat out an infield single, overran first base, and twisted his ankle badly—captured in a painful replay. Trainers quickly attended and he was carted off. Manager Craig Counsell labeled it a “weird baseball play” and noted how disappointed the team was at such bad luck.
Miguel Amaya left today’s game with an apparent injury. pic.twitter.com/ecje65t4f5
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 24, 2025
Injury Impact & Cubs Catcher Depth
- Amaya’s initial return was timely—he hit .281 with 4 HR and 25 RBIs in 28 games before the oblique sidelined him.
- Now injured again, Carson Kelly remains the de facto starter, with Reese McGuire set for backup duties.
- Rookie Moises Ballesteros remains an option but hasn’t caught in the majors yet.
- In a surprise move, the Cubs instead called up top outfield prospect Owen Caissie, reshaping the roster toward offense.
Why It Matters
For Amaya:
Returning from an oblique strain only to suffer another injury is discouraging—both physically and mentally. The Cubs hope it’s a short-term setback (some reports estimate a 10-day IL stint), but a high ankle sprain could complicate things.
For the Cubs:
Amaya’s presence was stabilizing for defensive alignment and pitcher chemistry. Without him, Kelly and McGuire must carry catching duties—while the offense gains depth from Caissie’s promotion.
Career Background
- Panamanian prospect who debuted with the Cubs in 2023; showed power and defense behind the plate.
- Surgery & setbacks: Tommy John surgery in 2021–22, oblique injury this year, and now this unfortunate ankle sprain early in his return.
What Fans Are Saying
On social platforms, reactions skew sympathetic. One user summarized the sentiment well:
“I feel so bad for him. Worked so hard to get back just to get hurt again.”
— Reddit commenter
Next Steps to Watch
- Monitor Amaya’s recovery. A quick return would be ideal; otherwise, Kelly and McGuire need to sustain their performance.
- Watch Caissie’s debut. He could bring an instant offensive spark to a slumping ballclub.
- Track team strategy shifts. Will the Cubs lean into a heavier catching rotation or shift priorities toward outfield depth?