Chicago Cubs News: Miguel Amaya injury, important week, and more

Update on injury to Chicago Cubs rookie catcher Miguel Amaya

Chicago Cubs rookie catcher Miguel Amaya was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles early after being hit by a pitch on his right wrist.

Amaya initially stayed in the game but was later pulled in the same inning for Miles Mastrobuoni. Tucker Barnhart took over catching duties in the following inning and after the game, Cubs manager David Ross provided an update.

The early returns are positive in that the x-rays came back negative but there will likely be another update prior to the start of the Cubs' road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night.

Given the success that Amaya has had with the pitching staff and offensively, the Cubs seemingly had made the decision to move forward this season with three catchers with the rookie beginning his transition toward becoming the full-time catcher. Through 48 plate appearances this season, Amaya has registered a wRC+ of 124.

The hope is for Amaya to avoid a trip to the IL as this season has marked the first season since 2018 that he has not had any major injury.

The Chicago Cubs have a chance to bury the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates

The Chicago Cubs next five games are against National League Central opponents and the team has a real opportunity to bury both the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals.

The Pirates have lost six games in a row and seven of their last eight as they host the Cubs for a three-game series beginning on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have lost six of their last eight games and will have a three-game series against the Washington Nationals before meeting the Cubs for two games in London this weekend.

This is an important stretch of games for the Cubs as they have the opportunity to do some real damage to the Pirates and Cardinals.

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