The Cubs have launched reliever Hoby Milner, per his MLB.com transactions log. The membership initially positioned him on waivers final week, then designated him for assignment. Milner handed via waivers unclaimed and is free to signal with one other workforce.
Chicago signed Milner to a one-12 months, $3.75MM deal over the winter. The workforce is on the hook for the remaining cash. If Milner indicators elsewhere, his new workforce will solely owe him the prorated league minimal, which is subtracted from the Cubs’ determine. The veteran lefty didn’t appeal to any suitors as a waiver declare, however might garner curiosity now that he will probably be cheaper.
The 35-12 months-outdated Milner hit the injured listing on the finish of June for an appendectomy. The lefty started a rehab task in late July and was DFAed after it concluded. He was pitching properly at Triple-A, posting a 2.53 ERA throughout 10 video games.
Milner was having a stable season with the Cubs earlier than heading to the injured listing. His 3.53 ERA doesn’t inform the entire story. Milner was annihilated for six earned runs whereas recording one out in an 18-3 loss to the Giants. He gave up eight earned runs mixed in his different 37 appearances. Milner’s success was spurred by a .261 batting common on balls in play. He wanted some luck on contact given his profession-low 12.1% strikeout fee.
Chicago’s rampant damage points within the bullpen thrust Milner right into a excessive-leverage position. He picked up six holds and the second save of his profession over the primary three months of the 12 months. The bullpen obtained reinforcements whereas Milner was out, with Daniel Palencia getting wholesome and Aaron Civale and Ryan Zeferjahn coming over by way of trades. The membership determined it didn’t want so as to add Milner again to the combo when his rehab ended.
Milner’s fastball hardly ever cracks 90 mph, however his smooth-tossing strategy has helped him rack up appearances. The Brewers leaned on him incessantly from 2022 to 2024. Milner averaged 67 appearances per 12 months in that span. The Rangers ran him on the market 73 instances final season, which matched a profession excessive. He was properly on his approach to one other heavy quantity marketing campaign earlier than the appendectomy. Consistent availability might be enticing to a contender coping with bullpen considerations down the stretch.
Photo courtesy of David Banks, Imagn Images