The Chicago Cubs have suffered another setback behind the plate, announcing that catcher Miguel Amaya is headed to the injured list with a left oblique strain. The move comes as a blow to the club, which has relied on Amaya as a key depth piece in the catching rotation.
Amaya, 25, had been splitting time behind the dish with starter Yan Gomes. Though his offensive numbers have been modest this season, Amaya has shown strong defensive skills and the ability to handle a pitching staff effectively—traits the Cubs highly value. His absence could put additional strain on the team’s catching corps, especially with a demanding summer stretch ahead.
Oblique injuries can be notoriously tricky for catchers, given the rotational demands of the position. Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity, but similar injuries have typically sidelined players for multiple weeks.
The Cubs have yet to announce a corresponding roster move, but it’s expected that the team will call up a catcher from Triple-A Iowa to fill Amaya’s spot. Candidates include veteran backstop Jorge Alfaro or prospect Bryce Windham, both of whom have seen recent playing time in the minors.
The Cubs will hope for a swift and full recovery for Amaya, whose potential remains high despite a career that has been interrupted by injuries and the pandemic. In the meantime, Chicago’s depth and resilience will be tested once again as they try to stay competitive in the NL Central.