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Cubs Receive Unfortunate Injury News Before Opening Day

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Conor Liguori | Last updated Mar 24, 2025 2:59 PM ET

Besides starting pitcher Javier Assad, the Chicago Cubs' roster remained healthy throughout spring training and the two games at the 2025 MLB Tokyo Series.

However, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports that right-handed reliever Tyson Miller will head to the injured list just before Opening Day with a left hip impingement.

Tyson Miller going to IL with left hip impingement. Ben Brown now in the mix with Rea for 5th starter.
— Paul Sullivan (@PWSullivan) March 22, 2025

Miller was on the Cubs' roster for the two-game series against the Dodgers in Japan, but he did not see action on the mound. He threw one inning in the exhibition game against Nippon Professional Baseball's Hanshin Tigers, giving up one earned run on two hits with two strikeouts in the Cubs' 3-0 loss.

In Sullivan's report, he did not mention how much time Miller may miss with the injury or that the Cubs officially announced the move to the IL.

Miller, 29, struggled in his five spring training outings, allowing nine earned runs and 10 hits in 4.2 innings. His trip to the injured list opens up a spot on the Opening Day roster.

In Sullivan's post on X, he identified pitchers Ben Brown and Colin Rea as two options to take Miller's place on the roster. Both players are candidates to open the season as the Cubs' fifth starter in the rotation.

The Cubs acquired Miller from the Seattle Mariners in May 2024 for third baseman Jake Slaughter. The California Baptist University product performed well out of the bullpen, posting an ERA+ of 187 with a 2.15 ERA in 50.1 innings in his first season in Chicago.

Miller is eligible for arbitration in 2027 and is not a free agent until 2030.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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