The Chicago Cubs saw catcher Miguel Amaya leave their game against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. After the game, manager Craig Counsell announced to multiple reporters that Amaya would end up on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique injury. Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network was one of the many reporters on hand to announce that he’d be headed to the IL. No corresponding move has been made for Amaya, but the Cubs will need a catcher behind Carson Kelly.
Per Craig Counsell, Miguel Amaya will be placed on the IL. He will get imaging done this week in Chicago.
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) May 24, 2025
When did the Amaya Injury Happen?
Amaya, 26, was visited by a Cubs trainer after throwing down to second base in an attempt to catch Elly De La Cruz stealing. After the visit, Amaya left the game and was replaced by Kelly. The Cubs went on to lose the game to the Reds 6-4.
Miguel Amaya left today’s game with an apparent injury. pic.twitter.com/ecje65t4f5
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 24, 2025
The catcher was unable to continue, and after the game, he spoke of when he felt the discomfort.
Miguel Amaya describes when he injured his oblique.
Craig Counsell announced Amaya will be placed on the IL. pic.twitter.com/c1Qu0dyacV
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 24, 2025
Amaya first signed with the Cubs back in 2015 out of Panama. After debuting in 2023, he never found consistent success at the plate. However, this season, he was in the midst of a breakout start with the Cubs. Among catchers with at least 90 plate appearances, Amaya is ranked sixth in slugging, seventh in batting average, and sixth in RBI. He’s split catching duties this season with Carson Kelly.
Who Will Replace Amaya?
The Amaya injury seemingly opens the door for top catching prospect, 21-year-old Moisés Ballesteros. Ballesteros is the No. 61 ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100. The 21-year-old has already seen time in the majors this season. He would be a perfect fit given the need for a catcher.
Ballesteros was part of the Cubs’ 2022 International Free Agent class, being signed out of Venezuela. While Ballesteros is polished at the plate, he’s had plenty of doubts about his defensive abilities behind the plate. The Cubs have used him as a catcher primarily, but he has also gotten reps at first base as well. Ballesteros had three hits during his brief stint with the club earlier this season. Down in Triple-A, he’s been hitting .349/.410/.490 with four home runs and 20 RBI.
It would be surprising to see the Cubs go a different direction, but they do have a couple of options in the minors outside of Ballesteros to cover the Amaya injury. After all, Carson Kelly will likely be getting even more playing time than before in the absence of Amaya. If the Cubs do not bring up Ballesteros, it might just be the biggest tell of how they feel about Ballesteros behind the plate. The Cubs do have a few veterans in Reese McGuire and Carlos Perez in the minors, and it is worth mentioning that they have to open a 40-man roster spot.
The Cubs sit atop the NL Central and are currently 31-21. They have a two-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals.
Image credit: © Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
