Cubs’ $2.5M investment Shelby Miller has strong start to injury rehab assignment

Last off-season, the Chicago Cubs signed reliever Shelby Miller to a two year, $2.5 million contract. The veteran right-hander, who is 35 years old, underwent Tommy John surgery last fall and wasn’t expected to pitch in 2026. Rather, Chicago gave him a two year deal to rehab this year and set his sights on the 2027 season.

However, Miller has continued to push the timeline throughout his recovery. Back in July, the Cubs announced that he was well ahead of schedule and was targeting a return to the majors before the end of the season. Now, he has taken another significant step toward making that a reality, officially beginning a rehab assignment in Triple-A.

Shelby Miller is eyeing a return to the Chicago Cubs bullpen and already is impressing scouts along the way

On the same day Miller was officially placed on a rehab assignment, Bob Nightengale highlighted the positive impressions he has made on scouts in his Sunday notebook. Miller had previously been working in the Arizona Complex League, where he continued progressing toward a potential return to the Cubs’ bullpen this season if needed.

“Veteran pitcher Shelby Miller has been impressing scouts watching him in the Arizona Complex League, and believe that he could help the Chicago Cubs in the bullpen if they have a need in September. Miller, who signed a two-year, $2.5 million contract in the spring, is coming from undergoing surgery last October for a torn right UCL and flexor tendon”

-Bob Nightengale’s notebook

On Sunday, August 10, Miller made an appearance in Triple-A. He tossed a scoreless frame and struck out a pair of batters. His fastball sat 95.7 MPH, which was up .05 MPH compared to his 2025 season average.

For the Cubs, Miller’s progress is becoming an increasingly intriguing storyline as the regular season winds down. Not only is he ahead of schedule, but the positive reports from scouts suggest he could return as a legitimate option rather than simply providing organizational depth.

Chicago made a relatively minor investment in Miller, but getting him back for the stretch run would be an unexpected boost to the bullpen. It also would be a way for Miller to for sure see game action before the impending collective bargaining negations that will take place this off-season, that already have next season in doubt.

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