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WASHINGTON – Tennessee Smokies manager Michael Ryan only told catcher Miguel Amaya that he needed to talk about the week’s itinerary. Amaya abandoned his grocery shopping trip and met Ryan in the Montgomery, Alabama hotel where the Cubs’ Double-A affiliate was staying this week.
There, Ryan broke the news to Amaya: He wouldn’t be catching for the Smokies on Tuesday.
Because he was joining the Cubs in Washington, D.C.
Amaya jumped up and wrapped Ryan in a hug. Then, the catcher called his parents.
It’s been a long road to the big-leagues for Amaya, who has been on the 40-man roster since November of 2019 but was sent on a detour by injuries.