Cubs injury update suggests quiet offseason addition may return sooner than expected

Many Chicago Cubs fans filed away the signing of relief pitcher Shelby Miller immediately, considering the expectation was that the 35-year-old relief pitcher would miss the entire 2026 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. The Cubs signed Miller to a two-year deal last month, hoping that he could be an early solution to their bullpen mix in 2027. Miller, however, hasn't ruled out helping the Cubs this season.

In detailing his recovery while speaking with the Chicago Tribune's Meghan Montemurro, Miller suggested that he could be back in September of this year, if not sooner.

“(Dr. Meister) wrote off on, ‘hey, we’re gonna get you back this year’ just by the way I’m rebounding on workouts and the way my arm looks and feels,” Miller told the Tribune. “My goal is hopefully be back even a little bit sooner than that (September), depending on how I feel, but I’m really optimistic about getting back this year and contributing.

Miller underwent the surgery in October, so there is a chance, if everything goes right, that he's ready for a return by the final month of the regular season. If not, his return could happen in October if the Cubs secure a postseason berth.

Shelby Miller is eyeing a return to the Cubs before the end of the 2026 season.

There's always a need for pitching at the end of the season. Even if the Cubs' bullpen starts the season without a hitch, chances are Jed Hoyer and Co. will still be in the market for relief help. Along those lines, the return of Miller could be something the Cubs view as the equivalent of a deadline addition.

Though, as last season proved, oftentimes, the initial plan for the Cubs' bullpen is far from the outcome at the end of the season.

Once a highly-touted starting pitching prospect that the Cubs coveted from the Atlanta Braves, Miller has transformed into an effective high-leverage relief pitcher in recent seasons. Splitting time last year with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers, Miller posted an ERA of 2.74 while striking out 29% of the hitters he faced. It's that type of swing-and-miss stuff that the Cubs have missed on their pitching staff, and if healthy, would be a nice boost for the bullpen at the end of the season.