Taylor

Gushue

Gushue got a chance to play in his first two MLB games in 2021 before being designated for assignment by the Cubs. The 28-year-old backstop provides depth in the minors for the Nationals, who have Keibert Ruiz locked in as their starting catcher to begin 2022.

Gushue was designated for assignment after the Cubs signed Robinson Chirinos, and unsurprisingly, cleared waivers. He can elect free agency, but more than likely he’s back with Triple-A Iowa to provide depth.

The move clears spots on the 26- and 40-man rosters for Robinson Chirinos. Gushue will probably clear waivers.

An errant throw from Jake Arrieta in the bottom of the second inning led Wisdom right into the path of Tyrone Taylor and the Cubs’ infielder took the brunt of that collision. He was clearly shaken up but did manage to walk off the field under his own power. Taylor Gushue entered to play first base.

Gushue will be the new backup catcher for the Cubs after Jose Lobaton hit the 60-day IL on Wednesday with a severe shoulder sprain. Gushue, 27, has yet to appear in a major league game.

The Nats were short a catcher after Welington Castillo opted out of playing this season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Gushe put up promising numbers last year at Triple-A Fresno (.312 AVG, .875 OPS in 74 games), but he figures to mostly catch bullpen sessions and work in simulated and intrasquad games.

Gushue, a fourth-round pick of the Bucs in 2014, batted .226/.282/.357 with eight home runs and 38 RBI in 90 games this season for High-A Bradenton. He’s not much of a prospect, but the same could be said for Bostick.