Cubs' GM Reveals Timeline of Return for Two Key Players

Cubs' GM Reveals Timeline of Return for Two Key Players originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Chicago Cubs currently hold the best record in the MLB after beating the Boston Red Sox in the first two games after the All-Star break, and could be getting even better soon.

Cubs' general manager Carter Hawkins joined 670 The Score on Friday and gave a positive injury update on two key players for Chicago. Hawkins said starting pitcher Javier Assad and catcher Miguel Amaya could return in August.

"I think we're looking at August for both of those guys," Hawkins said. "It would be really, really nice to have them back. Now, our catching group has done great as (Miguel Amaya's) been out. Obviously, Reese McGuire's been outstanding in terms of his ability to be our second catcher and Carson's had just a heck of a year.

Cubs expect Miguel Amaya, Javier Assad to return in Augusthttps://t.co/BN06H5nApZ via @Rahimi_Harris Show pic.twitter.com/KZ4dGdPwAL

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) July 18, 2025

"Then, you know, obviously, the more starting pitching you can have the better. And certainly a guy like Javi, that's done it before, pitched in multiple roles will be great to have. So, we'll get these guys back in rehab games here soon and hopefully have them here in August."

Amaya started the season as the Cubs' starting catcher and had a strong start through the first month and a half. The 26-year-old catcher batted .280 with four home runs and 25 RBI before he suffered an oblique injury.

However, as Hawkins mentioned, Kelly has filled in very nicely, hitting .272 with an .889 OPS, and 12 home runs, with 33 RBI. Behind him, McGuire has added five home runs and 10 RBI in just 21 games.

On the pitching side, the Cubs will be happy to add a starting pitcher to the staff. The addition of Assad in August won't change the Cubs' aggressiveness for a starter at the trade deadline, but added depth at the position is always nice.

Assad also suffered an oblique injury, but did so in spring training and has yet to pitch in 2025. The fellow 26-year-old has quietly been good for the Cubs the last three years. Assad has averaged a 3.40 ERA in his three-year career, reaching a career-high 147 innings pitched and 124 strikeouts in 2024.

The Cubs had an incredible start to the 2025 season and have started right where they left off coming back from the All-Star break. If they can get two more guys healthy in August, Chicago should only continue to get better.

Related: Cubs Predicted to Add Matt Shaw Replacement at Trade Deadline

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.