Owen Caissie suffered a concussion, impacting his return to the major leagues in his first game back with the Chicago Cubs.
Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Owen Caissie’s return to the major leagues was cut short Saturday when he suffered a concussion after colliding with the outfield wall during the team’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Recall
The Cubs recalled Caissie from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday morning, optioning outfielder Kevin Alcántara to make room on the roster. The move gave Caissie another opportunity to showcase his abilities at the major league level after a brief stint earlier this season.
Caissie made his MLB debut on August 14 at Toronto and appeared in 11 games with the Cubs, hitting .208 (5-for-24) with one double, one home run, and four RBIs before being sent back to Triple-A.
Alcántara, who made his season debut on September 2, played in just three games with Chicago, recording one hit and one walk in seven plate appearances before being optioned back to Iowa.
The Injury
Caissie’s second stint with the Cubs lasted just one game. During the third inning of Saturday’s contest against the Rays, the outfielder made a catch but collided with the outfield wall in the process, striking his head.
According to manager Craig Counsell, Caissie’s condition deteriorated after the collision. “His condition only declined after that point,” Counsell told reporters, indicating the severity of the impact became more apparent as the game progressed.
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Caissie Suffering Concussion Symptoms
Caissie will likely be placed on the 7-day injured list with concussion symptoms, according to reports. Here is Cubs manager Craig Counsell on Caissie in Saturday’s postgame press conference.
The potential IL placement would be particularly frustrating for the young prospect, who was hoping to make an impression during the Cubs’ final weeks of the season and establish himself as a viable option for 2026.
Roster Implications
If Caissie is placed on the injured list, it would likely create additional playing time for utility player Willi Castro in the outfield. Castro has been a valuable, versatile piece for the Cubs throughout the season, capable of playing multiple positions.
The injury also highlights the Cubs’ ongoing search for reliable outfield depth, particularly with Kyle Tucker dealing with his own injury issues and the team evaluating young talent for future seasons.
Prospect Status
Caissie remains one of the Cubs’ top outfield prospects, and the organization will prioritize his long-term health over any short-term roster needs. Concussions require careful management, and the Cubs will ensure he’s fully recovered before considering his return to action.
The 22-year-old’s development has been closely watched by the organization as they continue building their future core. While this setback is unfortunate, the Cubs will focus on his complete recovery before determining next steps.
The incident serves as a reminder of baseball’s inherent risks, even for routine defensive plays, and underscores the importance of player safety protocols in professional sports.
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