Chicago Cubs veteran star exited game due to a right oblique strain, according to several reports, including the Chicago Sun-Times.
He appeared to injure himself after making a throw to second base in an attempt to catch Cincinnati Reds standout Elly De La Cruz stealing. A team trainer came out to examine him, and he was later replaced by Carson Kelly.
Following the game, Cubs manager Craig Counsell told the Sun-Times that top veteran is “likely” headed to the injured list and is expected to undergo imaging to assess the oblique.
The Cubs are set to conclude their series against the Reds before returning home to face the Colorado Rockies.
Top star has performed well at the plate this season, appearing in 27 games and posting a .280 batting average with a .313 on-base percentage and a .505 slugging percentage. He’s hit four home runs and driven in 25 runs. After debuting in 2023, he served as the primary catcher last year and has been splitting time with Kelly this season.
Kelly, who’s appeared in 32 games, has outperformed Amaya statistically, hitting .301/.425/.612 with nine homers and 24 RBI.
If Amaya lands on the IL, the Cubs’ likely move would be to recall top catching prospect Moisés Ballesteros. He recently made his major league debut and went 3-for-16 over five games before being optioned back to the minors. He’s currently the only other catcher on the team’s 40-man roster.
Kelly is expected to start Sunday’s game, but the team faces a decision on whether to place Amaya on the IL before then or wait until they return to Chicago—potentially leaving them with only one catcher available for the final game of the series.