Owen Caiss from Cubs makes a debut on a large league on a home floor against Blue Jays
Canadian Outfielder Owen Caissie Makes Big League Debut for Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs designated Hitter Owen Caissie will hit a fly-out on Thursday in his debut at the Major League against the Blue Jays in Toronto.
Jon Blacker/The Canadian Press
After an eventful travel day, Canadian outfielder Owen Caissie made his Major League debut for the Chicago Cubs at Rogers Centre on Thursday afternoon.
Caissie took a morning flight from Des Moines, Iowa, and arrived just in time for the start of the final Interleague series game at the stadium.
The 23-year-old native of Burlington, Ontario, batted fifth as the designated hitter.
In his first at-bat, Caissie swung at a Max Scherzer fastball but was robbed of a potential single by a diving catch in left field.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell commented before the game, “I believe his offense is his strongest attribute, and he hits the ball really hard. I think he’ll hit plenty of home runs in the future. While he’s not a home run hitter yet, he’s a solid all-around hitter with good plate discipline.”
Reports surfaced on Wednesday indicating that the Cubs’ top prospect would be called up for the series finale. The team officially announced his promotion from Triple-A just before the game, with catcher Miguel Amaya placed on the 10-day injured list with a left thumb injury.
Caissie has posted impressive numbers this season, batting .289 with 22 home runs and 52 RBIs for the Iowa Cubs. He is ranked as the 45th top prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline.
Selected as the 45th overall pick in the 2020 amateur draft by the San Diego Padres, Caissie was acquired by Chicago in a trade involving Yu Darvish in December 2020.
Upon his arrival, a No. 19 nameplate was placed on Caissie’s locker in the visitors’ clubhouse. Additionally, two “Coffee Crisp” chocolate bars – a popular Canadian treat – were left at his stall.
Caissie had a standout performance at the MLB All-Star Futures game last month, recording an RBI double and two walks. He has excelled at the Triple-A level in August, hitting .393 with two home runs and five RBIs.
Counsell remarked, “I’m not sure what role Owen will play, but we’re considering our schedule and looking to provide some flexibility in terms of giving players rest and managing innings.”
