MLB: Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers Chicago Cubs catcher Reese McGuire hits a two run double against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sudden illness shakes up Chicago Cubs’ Sunday lineup

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 25, 2025 1:00 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have run into some troubles at catcher during their weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. On Sunday, the Cubs sent Miguel Amaya to the 10-day injured list as he deals with an oblique injury that caused him to exit in the fifth inning of Saturday night’s 6-4 loss to the Reds.

The Cubs chose to call up Reese McGuire (over Moises Ballesteros) from Triple-A to replace Amaya on the roster. Carson Kelly replaced Amaya on Saturday night, but he will not be available for Chicago on Sunday.

Chicago Cubs turn to Reese McGuire

Per the Cubs, the team made a last-minute lineup change due to an illness. Kelly has been scratched from the lineup, and McGuire will make the start in his debut in the majors as a member of Chicago.

Lineup change:

-Carson Kelly has been scratched due to illness.

-Reese McGuire enters the lineup as catcher. https://t.co/LK0TJFwXKv

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 25, 2025

McGuire has a career .252 batting average with 16 home runs. He’s batting .280/.360/.467 with an OPS of .827 with three home runs and 19 RBI in 75 at-bats in Iowa this year.

Kelly’s sudden illness is unfortunate for a shorthanded club at catcher. Kelly is batting .301/.425/.612 with an OPS of 1.037 through 103 at-bats in 2025. He has nine home runs and nine RBI.

Chicago will have to hope nothing happens to McGuire during their contest on Sunday against the Reds, or the Cubs will have a big problem needing help with an emergency catcher.

MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates Apr 29, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki (right) greets catcher Carson Kelly (15) after hitting a two-run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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