Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya leaves game against Cincinnati Reds with left oblique strain

CINCINNATI — Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya exited the game against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday because of a left oblique strain.

Amaya threw to second base on Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz’s successful steal attempt with nobody out in the fifth inning and appeared to be in discomfort after the play, prompting manager Craig Counsell and a trainer to check on him. Amaya tried to stretch his upper body and loaded his arm to test a throw before pulling up and coming out of the game. He immediately headed into the clubhouse.

Carson Kelly took over behind the plate and tried to help starter Colin Rea get through the inning without any further damage. However, the Reds tacked on another run thanks to Spencer Steer’s single up the middle to cap a three-run fifth to put the Cubs in a 6-1 hole. They lost 6-4.

Losing Amaya for any time would be a blow to the Cubs between his stellar work with the pitching staff and getting off to a career-best start at the plate. After his 0-for-2 day Saturday, Amaya is hitting .280 with four home runs and 25 RBIs in 27 games.

The Cubs’ internal options to bring up a catcher if an injured list move is needed for Amaya feature prospect Moisés Ballesteros, Carlos Pérez and Reese McGuire at Triple-A Iowa. Ballesteros, who was optioned Tuesday following his first taste of the majors when Ian Happ was on the IL, has the most offensive upside. However, Ballesteros’ defensive ability is still a work in progress for the 21-year-old. If they might want him to continue honing that part of his game at Iowa, the Cubs can opt for one of the two veteran catcher options.

The Cubs’ offensive production from Amaya and Kelly has been among the best in the majors at the catcher position. The tandem leads the positional group with a 2.4 WAR and is second in OPS (.912).