Cubs Designate Reliever For Assignment in Surprise Move

Milner has been on the injured list since June 26 after undergoing an appendectomy as a result of acute appendicitis.

The Cubs sent Milner on a rehab assignment on July 29 with Triple-A Iowa, where he put up a 2.53 ERA in 10.2 innings. The expectation was that Milner was going to help the Cubs’ bullpen down the stretch after coming off the IL. However, that’s not going to happen after Chicago designated him for assignment. Milner’s 30-day rehab assignment limit was nearing an end.

Milner was signed to a one-year, $3.75 million deal in the offseason. The 35-year-old posted a 3.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 35.2 innings and 38 appearances in the big leagues this season.

Milner will likely be looking for a new home before the regular season ends. He could catch on with a contender if he is traded or clears waivers.

The Cubs’ bullpen holds the 10th-best ERA in all of baseball at 3.87 entering play on Friday. Despite this solid number, they have dealt with a number of injuries on this unit this year.

In addition to Milner, Daniel Palencia, Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Porter Hodge, Riley Martin and Gavin Hollowell have all spent time on the IL in 2026.

The Cubs entered their game against the Cincinnati Reds today with a 76-58 record. They have a two game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies for the top NL wild-card spot, but have lost two games in a row and six of their last 10 contests.