Before Opening Day, the Chicago Cubs got bad news about starting pitcher Wade Miley.
He would be placed on the 10-day IL because of an elbow injury to his throwing arm.
The news put a dent in the Cubs’ five-man rotation plans for the MLB season.
Miley signed with the Cubs after a 12-7 season with the Reds in 2021.
Adding him to the starting rotation was a move to help the Cubs going into 2022.
However, they have yet to see him start a game during the regular season.
Elbow Soreness Still Sidelining Miley
The Cubs vs Rockies series was the expected return date for Miley.
His throwing elbow was supposed to be healed by now.
However, it’s not back to 100%.
But now there is promising news about his future return.
Saturday saw him throwing on the mound, a good sign that he will return soon.
He threw 15 pitches off the mound during his Saturday practice.
Cubs injury news:
-Wade Miley (left elbow inflammation) threw 15 pitches off the mound today. He’ll be evaluated tomorrow before determining next steps.
-Alec Mills (low back strain) is scheduled to throw a bullpen today in AZ.— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) April 16, 2022
While the team continues to monitor his injury, they also could use him in the upcoming series at home.
Miley Throws Some Of The Best Quality Pitches
During his time in Cincinnati, Miley was top 20% or higher with his four main pitches.
#Reds Wade Miley
2021 Pitch Quality ⭐️
Sinker 6.00 QOPA (Top 5% MLB) ✅
Cutter 4.74 QOPA (Top 15% MLB) ✅
Fastball 4.92 QOPA (Top 16% MLB) ✅
ChangeUp 4.69 QOPA (Top 20% MLB) ✅#ATOBTTR #MakeItMajor pic.twitter.com/KEOWV80nGc— MLB Quality of Pitch (@qopbaseball) September 8, 2021
That makes him a major asset for the Cubs in 2022.
He gives the team a dangerous pitcher with Miley.
However, him being out of the lineup takes away from the Cubs’ chances in tough games.
With the team dropping two straight to the Rockies as of Saturday night, getting Miley back would help.
The Cubs will be on a seven-game homestand, starting with three games against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Why Is A Miley Return So Important For The Cubs?
Miley gives the Cubs the fifth starter for their rotation they need.
It also helps a starting pitcher lineup that gave up 12 runs in the Cubs’ back-to-back losses to the Rockies.
However, pushing him to return before he’s recovered from his injury could cause him to miss more time.
So the situation for Chicago is delicate for them, which is why they are taking things slow.
While having him back now would boost the team, the Cubs realize the long-term effects of a premature return to pitching.
His age of 35 years old gives the Cubs reason to take things carefully with him.
Recovering from injuries at an older age can take longer.
The Cubs see this and aren’t rushing his return to the mound.
However, when he’s ready, the Chicago fans will welcome him with open arms.
They also hope to see him improve on his 3.37 ERA during the 2021 season with the Reds.
When Is A Realistic Return Date For Miley?
The Cubs might wait until their home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates before bringing Miley back to the lineup.
It would give him at least four to five days of additional rest and recovery time.
With that time, he can improve his already noted pitching quality.
So while the series with the Rays won’t see him returning, he could get a hometown reception during the Pirates game.
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