Cubs End Miller's Return Bid, Ruling Him Out of Postseason Bullpen Plans
The Chicago Cubs have halted Shelby Miller's rehabilitation from a second Tommy John surgery, removing him from consideration for a playoff roster spot. Manager Craig Counsell cited the risk of pushing the 35-year-old reliever further this season. Miller, who signed a two-year deal in spring training, will instead prepare for the 2027 campaign.
Miller's professional journey spans nearly two decades, beginning with his 2009 first-round selection by St. Louis and an All-Star season as a starter for Atlanta in 2015. He was twice central to blockbuster trades involving Jason Heyward and Dansby Swanson, and his first Tommy John surgery in 2017 forced a reinvention as a reliever.
The Cubs' bullpen has struggled without Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, and Hoby Milner, leaving Jacob Webb, Daniel Palencia, and Ryan Zeferjahn to handle late-inning duties. Miller posted a 1.98 ERA with 10 saves for Arizona before last year's trade deadline, then made 11 appearances for Milwaukee before his September surgery. His Triple-A numbers were unimpressive, but the club prioritized arm health over statistics.
This decision could affect Cubs fans hoping for bullpen reinforcement during a postseason push, though the cautious approach may preserve Miller's value for 2027. The broader impact may extend beyond Chicago, as the handling of a 35-year-old recovering from a second Tommy John surgery could influence how other organizations weigh short-term playoff gains against long-term player health, potentially shaping future rehab timelines and roster decisions across the league.