Standout Pitcher from 2024 Returns to Cubs...For Now

The Cubs finally activated right-handed pitcher Tyson Miller from the injured list on June 5, but they immediately designated the reliever for assignment as there was no room on the 40-man roster. The bullpen is filled up and the Cubs felt comfortable enough with the depth they currently have that they didn't mind the possibility of losing Miller.

Well, Miller is back with the Cubs after he cleared waivers earlier this week. The 29-year-old has been outrighted to Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs.

It's been a tough 2025 for Miller, who was hoping to put together another strong year after his standout 2024 season. The right-hander pitched in 58 total games, 49 of them coming with the Cubs after the Mariners traded him to Chicago in May. Miller recorded a 2.32 ERA in 62 innings of work, including a 2.15 ERA and 0.81 WHIP in 50.1 innings once he joined the Cubs.

Miller was placed on the injured list with a left hip impingement after the team's trip to Japan and then suffered a bit of a setback. Now, he'll either continue pitching for the Iowa Cubs and see if an injury pops up in the bullpen to get another shot in the majors or Miller will be on the lookout for another MLB opportunity.

(Previous Update)

The Cubs have designated right-handed reliever Tyson Miller for assignment a year after he was one of the most dependable pitchers in the 2024 bullpen. Miller, 29, began the 2025 season on the injured list because of a hip issue. He was eventually moved to the 60-day IL following a setback and now the Cubs have decided to move him off their 40-man roster.

Miller was only one of two relievers that pitched more than 50 innings for the Cubs last season. The other was veteran lefty Drew Smyly. Neither have pitched for the Cubs this season as Smyly has remained unsigned and now Miller has been DFA'd.

Miller, who was originally drafted by the Cubs in 2016, and made his MLB debut with the club in 2020, was re-acquired on May 13, 2024, in a trade with the Mariners. The Cubs sent infield prospect Jake Slaughter to the Mariners in exchange for Miller, who was having a good year in Seattle.

The Cubs got a lot more value out of Miller than they probably expected as the right-hander posted a 2.15 ERA in 50.1 innings of work. He made 49 appearances with the Cubs and had a great 42/10 strikeout to walk ratio. Miller became a high-leverage reliever for Craig Counsell, ending the season with 14 holds and a save out of the Cubs bullpen.

From May 14 through Aug. 28, Miller was amazing for the Cubs. He made 36 appearances during that stretch and recorded a 1.19 ERA in 37.2 innings.

So far in 2025, Miller has pitched in 12 games at Triple-A with the Iowa Cubs. The right-hander has a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings.

Although Miller presumably entered 2025 as a lock for the bullpen the Cubs haven't really missed him. Despite some early struggles the Cubs currently rank 11th in MLB with a 3.56 ERA from the bullpen. The relievers have been dominant for a while now, posting a league-best 2.39 ERA since April 19.