The Chicago Cubs could soon have a very different look in their bullpen as two experienced pitchers continue making progress toward returning from the injured list.
Following an aggressive trade deadline that saw president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer bring in four pitchers, Chicago now faces an interesting roster-management challenge. Several injured arms are gradually moving closer to a return, and the latest developments involving veteran relievers Hoby Milner and Shelby Miller could give manager Craig Counsell even more options as the season enters its most important stretch.
While Milner’s eventual return has been anticipated for some time, Miller’s recent progress is considerably more unexpected. The right-hander was originally viewed as someone unlikely to pitch for the Cubs at all during the 2026 season after undergoing significant elbow surgery last October.
That outlook, however, appears to be changing.
Milner Continuing His Road Back
Milner’s return is perhaps the less surprising of the two developments. The left-handed reliever was placed on the injured list earlier in the season after suffering an unusual medical setback while the Cubs were in Milwaukee.
The veteran required an emergency appendectomy in late June, forcing him away from the team and interrupting what had been a productive campaign.
Before the unexpected health issue, Milner had established himself as a useful option in Chicago’s bullpen. Through 38 appearances, he had recorded a 3.53 ERA, providing the Cubs with another dependable left-handed arm capable of handling important situations.
His effectiveness also came within a Cubs pitching staff that has benefited from outstanding defensive play behind it. With Chicago competing in a crowded playoff race, having Milner available again could be particularly valuable down the stretch.
The Cubs will nevertheless have to determine who makes room for him once he is ready to return.
Thielbar’s Struggles Could Create an Opening
One potential solution appears relatively obvious.
Left-hander Caleb Thielbar has struggled considerably in recent weeks, and his performance has made his place on the active roster increasingly difficult to justify. Since the beginning of June, Thielbar has posted a 6.65 ERA along with a 5.74 FIP.
Those numbers suggest that the veteran has not been able to provide the consistency the Cubs need from the bullpen.
Because Milner is also a left-handed reliever, Chicago could potentially clear a spot by designating Thielbar for assignment when Milner is ready to return. That would allow the Cubs to bring back a pitcher who was performing effectively before his unexpected absence without significantly altering their long-term plans.
The situation is also made somewhat easier by the contracts involved. Both Milner and Thielbar are playing under one-year agreements, meaning the Cubs would not necessarily be creating a major long-term financial or roster commitment by making the change.
For now, Milner’s return appears to be a relatively straightforward roster decision.
Miller’s situation, meanwhile, is far more intriguing.
Shelby Miller Could Become an Unexpected October Option
The biggest surprise from the latest injury developments is the progress of veteran right-hander Shelby Miller.
When Chicago signed Miller to a two-year contract with a club option for 2028 during the spring, expectations surrounding his 2026 availability were fairly pessimistic. Miller was recovering from UCL and flexor tendon surgery that he underwent last October, and the initial assumption was that the rehabilitation process would keep him away from the major-league mound for the entire season.
Now, that assumption may no longer hold.
Miller has begun a minor-league rehabilitation assignment with the Iowa Cubs, representing a significant step in his recovery. Even more encouragingly, the veteran reportedly looked sharp during his early work and reached 96 mph on the radar gun.
For a pitcher returning from major elbow surgery, that kind of velocity is certainly an encouraging development.
It does not necessarily mean Miller is ready to immediately rejoin the Cubs, but it does raise the possibility that he could become an option later in the season if his rehabilitation continues without complications.
Cubs Have Several Pitchers Working Back
The Cubs, however, have a complicated decision ahead.
Miller is not the only pitcher currently working his way back from an injury. Chicago also has several other arms progressing toward potential returns, including Daniel Palencia, Hunter Harvey, Edward Cabrera and Justin Steele.
That depth could ultimately determine how aggressively the organization handles Miller’s rehabilitation.
Instead of rushing the veteran back into major-league action simply because he has shown encouraging signs, the Cubs could choose to take a more cautious approach. With Miller already under contract beyond this season, there is little reason to risk his long-term health for a handful of appearances in 2026.
Chicago could instead keep the bigger picture in mind and allow Miller additional time to recover fully, potentially positioning him to enter 2027 at full strength.
That approach could be especially sensible considering the number of other pitchers competing for bullpen and pitching-staff opportunities.
An Extra Weapon for the Postseason
Still, the possibility of Miller returning this season is difficult to ignore.
If he continues progressing, maintains his velocity and avoids another setback, the Cubs could suddenly have another experienced arm available for the final weeks of the regular season or potentially the postseason.
That would give Counsell another option to consider when constructing his pitching plans.
Miller’s experience could become particularly useful in high-pressure situations. Even if he does not immediately reclaim a prominent role, simply having another healthy and experienced pitcher available could provide Chicago with greater flexibility.
The Cubs made it clear at the trade deadline that they were serious about strengthening their pitching depth. Adding four pitchers gave the club additional protection, but the return of injured players could eventually create a very different challenge: finding enough roster space for everyone.
Milner appears to be the more predictable addition, particularly if Chicago decides to move on from Thielbar.
Miller, however, could be the unexpected bonus.
A pitcher who was once considered unlikely to appear for Chicago this season could now potentially emerge as a late-season option. There is still a long road ahead, and the Cubs will have to monitor his rehabilitation carefully, especially given the severity of the surgery he underwent.
But if Miller continues to build up his arm, maintain his velocity and avoid any setbacks, Counsell could have another intriguing weapon waiting in reserve.
For a Cubs team preparing for the final push of the season, that kind of depth could prove extremely valuable.
What initially looked like an injury-related setback for Miller may ultimately turn into an unexpected opportunity for Chicago. Whether the Cubs choose to use it in 2026 or prioritize having Miller fully ready for 2027 remains to be seen, but his progress has already changed the conversation around his season.
And with Milner also closing in on a return, Chicago’s bullpen could soon become one of the most interesting roster battles to watch as the club heads toward October.
