Amaya, a Cubs catcher, was left off the roster as Chicago leaned on other catching options. The move highlights a balance between veteran depth and rookie upside in a shortened playoff window, with Amaya watching for future opportunities.

Amaya’s return from ankle rehab adds defensive steadiness and right-handed pop to Chicago’s backstop group, with roster decisions looming as the series unfolds.

Amaya’s upgrade to the Cubs’ lineup adds catching depth as he ramps up activity in the Arizona rehab plan, with return hopes before season’s end. His game-calling and framing could lift the Cubs’ overall offensive and defensive ceiling if he’s able to contribute soon.

Amaya delivered a ninth-inning game-tying homer in a Cubs comeback, underscoring clutch power and a path toward late-season relevance for CHC’s catching depth and fantasy upside if playing time holds.

Amaya returned from the 60-day IL but exited Toronto early with a left ankle sprain. X-rays negative, but the injury required IL placement. His absence opens catches for Kelly and McGuire while Caissie is promoted, impacting Cubs’ depth and fantasy backstop projections as the wild-card race tightens.