Cubs' biggest rival just got a brutal injury update on a key trade deadline addition

The Milwaukee Brewers have weathered injuries all season long in the rotation, to top position players like Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich and at the back end of the bullpen in All-Star closer Trevor Megill. None of those losses have slowed down the Chicago Cubs' arch-rival, though, with the Brew Crew entering Thursday with a comfortable six-game lead in the NL Central.

But we can add another name to the list of injured Brewers after right-hander Shelby Miller departed his appearance Monday after feeling a 'pop' in his elbow. Milwaukee placed him on the 60-day IL shortly thereafter - raising the prospects of not only his season, but his career, being at an end.

“With the number of injuries in our bullpen, it crushes us,” Murphy said. “But I’m more crushed for the guy. Shelby is a veteran, we just [recognized] him with his 10 years [of Major League service], and it was so fun. I’m just hurt for the guy. He’s in such great condition that I think he’ll come back. Age is just a number, but his attitude and his commitment might override all that.”

Miller didn't commit one way or another when asked if he'd begin the arduous journey of recovering from a second Tommy John surgery. The former first-round pick underwent the procedure, that comes with a length recovery time north of 12 months, back in 2017 when he was with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Brewers have weathered injury after injury to outpace the Cubs

The Brewers' bullpen is in tatters right now, with Miller joining Megill, DL Hall and Grant Anderson on the IL, not to mention rookie starting pitcher Logan Henderson. The problem for the Cubs is they've repeatedly failed to capitalize on opportunities to close the gap in the division, giving Milwaukee breathing room as they navigate the final weeks of the regular season with an eye on October.

Chicago dropped the finale against Atlanta Wednesday, squandering the chance to sweep the Braves in a three-game set at Wrigley, while the Brewers overcame a late scratch from Yelich due to back soreness to beat the Phillies, 6-3. Milwaukee and Philadelphia play again on Thursday and, with the Cubs out of action, the Brewers have a chance to further add to their NL Central lead.

Good teams overcome injuries and the Brewers have shown the ability to do so all season long. There's no reason to think this will be any different. But given how reliant teams are on their bullpens, especially in the postseason, the loss of Miller does the Cubs' rival no favors when looking ahead to potential October matchups.