Miguel Amaya was playing in his first game since May 24 on Wednesday night when the Chicago Cubs faced the Toronto Blue Jays. Amaya had been sidelined with an oblique injury, and the hope was that his return would provide a spark for the Cubs' offense. Instead, there was more heartbreak for the Cubs and Amaya as the young catcher suffered a devastating injury.
Miguel Amaya landed awkwardly on first base and was carted off the field. pic.twitter.com/2LTydXcNdy
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 14, 2025
Cubs catcher finally returns to lineup (but it ends in disaster)
It was an infield dribbler hit to Blue Jays' shortstop Bo Bichette, and the play at first was going to be close. The outcome of the play turned out to be the last thing on anyone's mind as Amaya landed awkwardly on the base and immediately went to the ground.
Amaya was forced to be carted off the field, and it was an emotional scene for not only Amaya but everyone watching. Once the Marquee Sports Network returned from commercial, Jim Deshaies said what was on everyone's mind in that it was hard not to tear up while watching the outcome of the play.
"I don't know that I've ever wanted to cry for a guy more than I want to cry for Miguel Amaya right now. So disappointing." - Jim Deshaies
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 14, 2025
Amaya returned from the 60-day IL (oblique injury) on Wednesday before being carted off with a leg injury tonight in Toronto. pic.twitter.com/72uozJ7lOv
Amaya was activated from the 60-day IL on Tuesday. What was interesting about the roster move is that the Cubs decided to hold onto Reese McGuire as a third catcher. The impression was that the Cubs wanted to ease Amaya back into the catching rotation, and McGuire's offensive success this season allows for that type of flexibility.
What makes Wednesday's injury even more heartbreaking for Amaya is the fact that injuries have been the prevailing theme of his ascent to the Major League level. So much so that when Amaya made his Major League debut, once believed to be the Cubs' long-term answer at catcher, the impression was that his role moving forward would be as backup.
That sentiment changed at the start of this season when Amaya continued his offensive resurgence that started during the second half of the 2024 season. That is one of the reasons why there was excitement over his return to the 26-man roster. Now, the excitement has turned to fear as Cubs fans wait for the next update.
