Amaya returned from the 60-day IL after a left oblique strain and started at catcher for the Cubs in Toronto, only to leave the game with an ankle sprain. X-rays were negative, but the initial diagnosis is an IL stint and a harsh setback for a club that sat atop the NL wild-card race. The Cubs quickly recalled Owen Caissie, Chicago's No. 2 prospect, as they weather the injury and push toward the final six weeks.

Kelly and McGuire split catching duties during Amaya's absence, leaving the door open for Caissie to debut soon in a roster-starved stretch. The Cubs finish the Jays series before a homestand against Pittsburgh and Milwaukee, a crucial period for fantasy managers monitoring backstops and the lineup’s depth behind the plate.

Amaya's late setback adds volatility to Chicago's catching depth and lineup construction, forcing a closer watch on IL timelines and how Caissie (and the backup catchers) will impact playing time, run production, and ownership in fantasy formats as the Cubs navigate a tight wild-card chase.

Miguel Amaya’s minor-league rehab is done, and he’s poised for activation with the Cubs, adding catching depth as the 40-man roster reshuffles to clear space for his return. Javier Assad moves onto the 40-man, while Nate Pearson is sent to Triple-A Iowa to make room. Jameson Taillon’s rehab progression hints at a potential Monday start in the doubleheader against Milwaukee, which could shift Ben Brown back to Iowa when rosters expand. The Cubs’ pitching staff gains depth at a critical juncture as Amaya, Assad, and Taillon rejoin the big-league club.

Assad hasn’t pitched this year due to oblique issues, but his path to the bullpen or a spot start in the doubleheader could tighten Chicago’s long relief options. Taillon, after a calf strain, carried a strong run earlier in 2025 (13 starts, 2.99 ERA, 0.919 WHIP) and could be a meaningful set of innings as the rotation re-stabilizes. McGuire’s fate hangs on roster moves, while Nate Pearson’s return to Iowa opens a 40-man slot for Amaya. Activation timing and bullpen roles will shape the Cubs’ immediate fantasy upside and the depth chart through August and September.

On Thursday night, Cubs catcher Reese McGuire put on a show with a remarkable play that defied the ordinary. In a surprising turn of events, Guardians runner Kyle Manzardo attempted to advance from first to second on a pitch that bounced in the dirt. McGuire, however, made an incredible throw-out from an unusual position after the ball got lodged in his chest protector. With quick reflexes, he managed to snatch the ball and deliver a precise strike to Dansby Swanson, who was covering second base for the tag out.

This play is a testament to McGuire's skill and awareness behind the plate, showcasing not just his catching ability but also his athleticism in an unorthodox situation. Such a moment is rare in Major League Baseball, and it captivates fans and analysts alike, prompting discussions about the athleticism required to make such plays.

The Cincinnati Reds faced a disappointing series against the Chicago Cubs, ultimately losing three games and failing to capitalize on a five-run lead in the finale. The Cubs delivered a powerful late-game performance, scoring 21 runs in the final innings across the series. The Reds initially appeared poised for victory with offensive bursts, but their bullpen faltered, allowing a comeback in the ninth inning that sealed their fate in an 11-8 loss.

This series loss further expanded the Reds' deficit in the NL Central, now sitting 6.5 games behind the Cubs. Despite flashes of potential, including key contributions from players like Austin Hays and Jose Trevino, the Reds' inability to maintain leads proves troubling as they prepare for a series against the Kansas City Royals, the only non-divisional opponent in a stretch of 15 games.