The Chicago Cubs have faltered in the second half, allowing the surging Milwaukee Brewers to seize control of the NL Central. Slumps from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker have compounded the problem, and the Cubs failed to land much-needed rotation help at the MLB trade deadline. To make matters worse, catcher Miguel Amaya suffered a severe ankle injury.
In response, Chicago called up its top prospect, outfielder Owen Caissie, according to Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor.
“Cubs recall Owen Caissie and place Miguel Amaya on the 10-day IL,” McGregor reported.
Amaya had been serving as Carson Kelly’s backup, with Reese McGuire also on the roster. McGuire will now step in as the No. 2 catcher, freeing up the spot for Caissie to give the outfield—and the offense—a needed jolt.
Since the All-Star break, Tucker has hit just .206 with a .644 OPS in 20 games, while Crow-Armstrong has posted a .205/.239/.398 slash line, striking out 27 times against only two walks. Caissie, by contrast, has thrived in Triple-A Iowa, carrying a .955 OPS this season.
The Cubs sit 7.5 games behind Milwaukee in the division but currently hold the top Wild Card position. With rotation depth still an issue, their playoff push will rely heavily on offensive firepower. Tucker is headed for free agency after the season, making low-cost, high-upside hitters like Caissie a potential key for 2026.
If Caissie doesn’t debut Thursday afternoon in Toronto, his first MLB appearance could come in front of the Wrigley Field faithful, with the Cubs hosting the Pirates for three games followed by a crucial four-game set against the Brewers.
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