Cubs reinstate catcher Miguel Amaya and right-hander Javier Assad from the 60-day IL

TORONTO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have reinstated catcher Miguel Amaya and right-hander Javier Assad from the 60-day injured list.

Chicago also optioned right-hander Nate Pearson to Triple-A Iowa and designated infielder Jon Berti for assignment in moves announced before Tuesday's 5-1 loss at Toronto.

The 28-year-old Assad started the series opener against the AL East-leading Blue Jays. He allowed four runs and eight hits in four innings in his first big league game since Sept. 25, 2024, at Philadelphia.

“Just trying to keep working. Trying to keep working at it,” Assad said through a translator. “The good thing is I feel good. I feel healthy, and I feel like when you feel healthy, you can make those adjustments.”

The 26-year-old Amaya had been on the injured list since May 25 with a left oblique strain. He hit .280 with four homers and 25 RBIs in 27 games prior to the injury.

The addition of Amaya gives Chicago three catchers on its active roster. The Cubs also have Carson Kelly and Reese McGuire behind the plate.

Assad had been sidelined by a left oblique strain. He is 14-12 with a 3.47 ERA in 71 major league appearances, including 48 starts.

Pearson went 0-1 with a 9.20 ERA in 11 games across three stints with the Cubs this season.

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