Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya sprains left ankle, back on IL just a day after return

Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya landed back on the injured list just a day after returning, suffering a left ankle sprain while stepping on first base during Wednesday night’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Amaya had only been activated from the 60-day injured list on Tuesday, following a left oblique strain he sustained on April 24. Amaya, who suffered the injury in his first game back, had hit .280 with four homers and 25 RBIs in 27 games prior to that injury.

Amaya was in immediate pain as the Cubs' trainers came out from the dugout to examine him. He was carted off the field after his foot awkwardly hit the front of the base while beating out an infield single in the eighth inning. The impact caused him to twist in the air before landing on his back.



After the game, Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters that Amaya had suffered a sprained ankle. Though X-rays came back negative, it's a long road ahead.

"It’s swollen up pretty good already,” Counsell said. “It’s an IL [stint]. It’s bad luck, unfortunately, and we’re going to miss him," MLB quoted Counsell as saying.

To fill Amaya’s roster spot, the Cubs are calling up their No. 2 prospect, outfielder Owen Caissie, according to ESPN sources. The 23-year-old has been excelling at Triple-A Iowa, batting .292 with 22 home runs and a .966 OPS.

Amaya's injury is the latest blow for the Cubs’ catching depth, as they navigate a challenging stretch of the season without one of their key defensive and offensive contributors behind the plate.