Catcher Carson Kelly of the Chicago Cubs recently highlighted the physical toll of his position, underscoring the constant discomfort catchers endure in Major League Baseball. Kelly, who wore a t-shirt reading “Everything Hurts,” said the pain is an inherent part of playing catcher, with little respite even from the start of spring training.

“There’s never a time I feel like, ‘Oh, everything is great,’” Kelly remarked Sunday, noting that catchers often arrive to camp already carrying aches and injuries. The position demands frequent squatting behind home plate and the risk of being struck by high-velocity balls, particularly when pitches are fouled or blocked.

A recent shift in catching technique, with players now dropping to one knee rather than both, has raised concerns about increased exposure to injuries in the groin and inner thigh areas. While this stance lowers the catcher’s center of gravity and aids in pitch framing and blocking, it reportedly heightens vulnerability to painful impacts. Kelly shared that he experienced a series of leg strikes over four consecutive games, leading to prolonged swelling.

Though protective equipment has evolved, including the adoption of more supportive cups similar to those used in mixed martial arts, a fully effective solution remains elusive. Kelly noted that some catchers are experimenting with padded sliding shorts to mitigate injury risks. He also acknowledged the possibility of further altering positioning to reduce painful contact.

Kelly’s journey to catching was gradual; originally drafted as a third baseman in the St. Louis Cardinals system, he transitioned after the organization encouraged him to learn the position. Repeated instructional league stints helped develop his catching skills, and he continues to adapt to the demands of the role.

Meanwhile, a rainout on Sunday postponed the Cubs’ game against the Toronto Blue Jays, sidelining left-hander Shota Imanaga from a scheduled start. With the game rescheduled for August 6, Imanaga spent the morning preparing with stretches and light exercises, anticipating his next assignment to lead the Cubs’ series opener against the New York Mets on Monday in New York.

The rainout also delayed the renewal of a personal rivalry between Imanaga and Blue Jays slugger Kazuma Okamoto, who has been a notable threat both in Japan’s Central League and MLB. Okamoto leads the Blue Jays with 16 home runs this season, while also holding a high strikeout total. In Japan, Okamoto has faced Imanaga 56 times, compiling a .271 average and three home runs.

Imanaga enters Monday’s start aiming to break a seven-start winless streak. The Cubs manager, Craig Counsell, outlined the pitching rotation for the upcoming series, with right-handers Edward Cabrera and Javier Assad scheduled for subsequent games and Thursday’s starter still to be determined. Left-hander Matthew Boyd is nearing a return after a strong rehab performance in Class A South Bend.

In other Cubs news, outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong continues to impress with a recent surge at the plate. Crow-Armstrong is batting .412 over a 23-game on-base streak dating back to late May, with nine home runs in June, leading all major-league position players in wins above replacement. His performance includes a 10-game hitting streak and a .835 slugging percentage during this hot stretch.