Canada's Caissie makes debut for Cubs against Jays
Caissie caught a morning flight from Des Moines, Iowa, and arrived at the downtown stadium shortly before the start of the mid-afternoon interleague series finale.
The 23-year-old Caissie, from nearby Burlington, Ont., was set to bat fifth as the designated hitter.
'I think offence is his calling card and he hits the ball extremely hard,' Cubs manager Craig Counsell said before the game. 'I think he's going to hit a lot of home runs someday. He's not a home run hitter right now.
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'I think he's just a good hitter, a good all-around hitter, good plate discipline, hits the ball hard.'
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Reports circulated late Wednesday that the Cubs' top prospect would be called up for the series finale. The team confirmed shortly before the game that he'd been recalled from Triple-A, with catcher Miguel Amaya placed on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle sprain.
Caissie hit .289 this season with 22 homers and 52 RBIs for the Iowa Cubs. He's the 45th-ranked prospect in the sport by MLB Pipeline.
Caissie was drafted with the 45th overall pick of the 2020 amateur draft by the San Diego Padres. He was traded to Chicago in the Yu Darvish deal in December 2020.
A No. 19 nameplate was installed at Caissie's locker Thursday in the visitors' dressing room. A couple of 'Coffee Crisp' chocolate bars — a popular treat north of the border — were also at his stall.
Caissie had an RBI double and two walks at the MLB All-Star Futures Game last month. He has been particularly good at the Triple-A level in August, hitting .393 (11 for 28) with two homers and five RBIs.
'I don't know that this is going to be a big role for Owen,' Counsell said. 'But I think we're kind of just looking at where we're going in this schedule, and just being a little more flexible in terms of whether we need to get guys some rest, get the guys to get the innings off.'
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 14, 2025.
With files from The Associated Press.
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The Province
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SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors As a prominent football analyst getting better with each set of downs, it seems, the Canadian isn't shy about the cheap shots coming his way for his work on TSN's CFL coverage. Even when they come with ridiculous consequences from those attempting to silence him. In fact, Willson is going on the offensive for those pushing back at his criticisms of the CFL, the type of commentary never before heard so pointedly and vocally on the network. 'I believe that the board of governors have rats within (the CFL), both on air and behind the scenes,' Willson said in a post on X on Saturday that quickly sizzled on the social media site among the league's observers. 'They want me gone. I am like a roach. Tough to kill.' 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