Chicago Cubs News: Miguel Amaya may be getting called up

Chicago Cubs catcher Yan Gomes left the team's game against the Washington Nationals early on Monday night as he was pulled from the game after his plate appearance in the second inning of the game.

Gomes was hit in the back of the head on a backswing during the bottom of the first inning and the Cubs announced after the game that further evaluation is needed before making a decision on whether or not he will enter the concussion protocol.

In the event that Gomes does enter the concussion protocol, catching prospect Miguel Amaya appears to be the next man up.

Amaya, once considered to be one of the Cubs' top prospects, has seen his prospect value take a hit in recent seasons due to his inability to stay healthy. Entering the 2023 season with Double-A Tennessee, Amaya is currently the 14th-ranked prospect in the Cubs' system according to MLB Pipeline.

Before we dive further into Amaya, there are a couple of caveats needed. The first is that Amaya being en route to join the Cubs in Washington, D.C. may not mean he is being called up but could be a cautionary move if Gomes is indeed headed to the IL. Secondly, Amaya is already on the 40-man and that would create an easier path for the Cubs in the event that a second catcher is needed while Gomes is in protocol.

If Amaya does get the call-up, it will allow the Cubs to see firsthand where he is in regard to his development. Amaya has returned to catching duties this season for the first time since 2021 and he has also split time at first base.

Offensively, Amaya has continued to prove that the adjustments made to his approach are working. Through 56 plate appearances this season, Amaya is slashing .273/.411/.659 while posting a 182 wRC+ and having 4 home runs with the Tennessee Smokies.

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