2 key injured Cubs relievers take another step toward rejoining the big-league team

After a busy trade deadline that saw Jed Hoyer add four pitchers, the Chicago Cubs could soon face a roster crunch once injured pitchers start returning from the injured list. The latest round of updates have a pair of veteran arms checking boxes on their way back to the big leagues in Hoby Milner and Shelby Miller.

We knew Milner would likely be back by the end of the season. He landed on the IL in a bit of a freak incident after undergoing an emergency appendectomy while the team was in Milwaukee in late June. Prior to that, the southpaw had a 3.53 ERA across 38 appearances and, like many of his fellow pitchers, was benefitting greatly from an elite defense behind him.

Finding a spot for Milner feels pretty straightforward. Caleb Thielbar has continued to struggle, posting a 6.65 ERA and 5.74 FIP since the beginning of June. He's just not effective at this point and, given Milner is also a left-hander, designating the former for assignment could clear the path for Milner's return. There aren't really any long-term impacts here with both relievers playing on one-year deals.

Shelby Miller could be a secret weapon in the Cubs' bullpen arsenal

The big surprise here is the status of veteran right-hander Shelby Miller, who signed a two-year deal with a club option for 2028 back in the spring. At the time of the signing, it was expected he'd miss the entire 2026 season recovering from UCL and flexor tendon surgery he underwent last October. But, all of the sudden, a return to a big-league mound this season no longer seems out of the question.

Miller began his minor-league rehab assignment with the Iowa Cubs this weekend and looked sharp, hitting 96 MPH on the radar gun. But given the various other Cubs relievers working their way back from injury (Daniel Palencia, Hunter Harvey, Edward Cabrera, Justin Steele), I do wonder if the team slow plays Miller's return, instead keeping an eye on 2027, when they'd have him at full-strength.

Regardless, if he keeps trending in the right direction and avoids any setbacks, the former 2009 first-rounder could be a backup plan in Counsell's pocket as the Cubs gear up for October.

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