Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
August 19, 2026
Out of lineup Wednesday
Amaya is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the White Sox.
Analysis
Amaya has seen his playing time tick up in the second half and entered play Wednesday having started behind the plate in four of the Cubs' last six contests. However, it will be Carson Kelly doing the catching as the Cubs try to finish off the sweep.
August 16, 2026
Pops homer in loss
Amaya went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Sunday's 11-4 loss to the Cardinals.
Analysis
Amaya has homered twice over his last four games, going 4-for-14 in that span. The catcher has started three of the Cubs' last four contests as he starts to take a chunk out of Carson Kelly's playing time versus right-handed pitchers. On the year, Amaya is batting .241 with a .726 OPS, five homers, 22 RBI, 30 runs scored and nine doubles over 203 plate appearances.
August 16, 2026
Earning more opportunities vs. RHPs
Amaya will start at catcher and bat ninth in Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Analysis
Amaya will crack the lineup for the third time in four games, with each of those starts coming against right-handed pitching. He's produced a .720 OPS and 105 wRC+ in 138 plate appearances versus righties this season, putting him well ahead of what fellow backstop Carson Kelly (.594 OPS, 72 wRC+ in 211 plate appearances) has done in that split.
