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.

Owen Caissie, 23, slid into Chicago’s lineup with a travel-day sprint and a big-league baptism at Rogers Centre, debuting as the designated hitter in the Cubs’ interleague set. He drew two walks and delivered an RBI double in his first major-league action, while facing Max Scherzer in his first at-bat and seeing a diving play from Davis Schneider deny an extra-base hit. Recalled from Triple-A Iowa after Miguel Amaya landed on the injured list, Caissie is positioned as a high-upside project with a long runway ahead.

The Cubs view him as a hitter with power and strong plate discipline, but Counsell stressed flexibility rather than a fixed role as the schedule evolves. Caissie’s season at Iowa (.289, 22 HR, 52 RBI) and a standout Futures Game performance suggest a ceiling that could push him into regular at-bats as rest days and matchups allow. The Yu Darvish trade that brought him to Chicago in 2020 hangs over the narrative, underscoring the franchise’s patience with a high-ceiling youngster who could become a cornerstone once he seizes the opportunity.

The Cubs promote Owen Caissie from Triple-A Iowa as Miguel Amaya lands on the 10-day IL with a left ankle sprain, reopening the catching rotation in Chicago. Caissie, a 23-year-old Ontario native, debuted in Toronto amid home-country buzz, delivering a pro-level approach and teased power after a standout Iowa season (22 homers, 52 RBIs in 93 games). The club stresses pace and rest as Caissie integrates, signaling a flexible path rather than an immediate full-time role. Amaya’s injury history adds urgency to Caissie’s acclimation, and the Cubs will monitor how rest days shape the lineup. Caissie’s strong August in the minors hints at a tempting long-term upside if he sticks. The Canadian debut angle fuels excitement, tying into a larger roster shuffle sparked by trades and in-season adjustments.

Owen Caissie is headed to the Chicago Cubs’ MLB roster in August 2025 after Miguel Amaya’s ankle injury opened a spot. At Triple-A Iowa this season, Caissie has posted a scorching .289/.389/.566 with 22 homers and 26 doubles, plus a 114:53 K:BB. His 2024 numbers at Triple-A were strong, underscoring upside for fantasy managers in deeper formats. With Cubs’ outfield crowded and Seiya Suzuki at DH, Caissie’s path will hinge on earned at-bats, likely rotating with Happ and occasional shifts in left and right field.

For fantasy, Caissie is worth a speculative add in all 12-team five-outfielder leagues before his MLB debut, but riskier in shallower formats where a full-time role isn’t guaranteed. The Cubs still rely on Tucker, Crow-Armstrong, Happ, and Suzuki, so expect Caissie to earn opportunities gradually rather than slide into a full-time starter role immediately. His upside, especially with power, makes him a notable stash once roster spots open.

The article suggests Caissie could debut in Toronto and notes August 14, 2025 as a milestone call-up. In the meantime, managers should monitor Cubs’ lineups and practice-squad depth charts, ready to pounce as Caissie seizes a consistent role. Overall, Caissie’s power and on-base ability give him genuine late-season fantasy upside if he grips daily at-bats.