Four days ago, just before the Cubs played a game in San Diego, catching prospect Miguel Amaya was called up to the big league team. Being that he was taking the roster spot of a starting pitcher, it would’ve been fair to presume it was going to be a very short-term stay. And it still might be, as soon as the Cubs decide they need another pitcher.
But even if the stay was short, one thing I REALLY wanted to see: Amaya better get playing time.
Between the development needs (both for him right now and for the team long-term), and the bat that might actually contribute immediately, it made no sense to have him up and sitting on the bench.
Tonight, Amaya is batting seventh and will be catching Jameson Taillon. It’s his fourth start in four days since the call-up – twice at catcher, twice at DH – and I just wanted to note that fact. It seems meaningful. The Cubs are not messing around this time with a call-up, even if it winds up being brief. Miguel Amaya is up to play, and he’s starting every day.
And who knows what it means when the Cubs actually do need another pitcher. Maybe Amaya isn’t the guy moved out.