He's back!

The Cubs have ended Miguel Amaya's minor league apprenticeship, but it only works if they also launch Tucker Barnhart.

When the Cubs decided to put Justin Steele on the injured list on Saturday they recalled the most impressive young player who has played for them this season. No, not Trey Mancini, but close. (Wink.)

They recalled Miguel Amaya, who impressed when he was pressed into service for a few series when Yan Gomes was suffering with his “head stuff”¹ in Washington.

The pitchers on the staff raved about throwing to Amaya, and though his production was lacking at the plate, he hit into some tough luck and his at bats looked good.

The Cubs were wise to send him back to the minors when Gomes’ head stuff cleared because due to injuries and the pandemic Amaya has played just 91 minor league games since the end of the 2019 season.

Yikes.

It’s amazing how comfortable he looks considering that dramatic lack of reps. But it made no sense to leave him in the big leagues with two other catchers when what he really needs to do is play.

He went back to the minors, continued to rip up the Southern League and then had a quick 15 game layover in Des Moines where he hit .313/.450/.497.

And now he’s back in the big leagues with two other catchers, and what he still really needs to do is play.

He DH’d on Sunday and immediately responded with three hits, including his first big league homer.

So why is Fucker Barnyard Tucker Barnhart still around?