Cubs DFA pitcher with 3.53 ERA

The Chicago Cubs finally activated left-handed pitcher Hoby Milner off the injured list on Friday, but he is not rejoining the big-league club. Management is designating the 35-year-old reliever for assignment, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.

Milner posted a 3.53 ERA in 38 appearances for the Cubbies in 2026. That number is inflated due to a disastrous June 5 outing versus the San Francisco Giants, which saw him allow six runs in just 1/3 of an inning. He struggled again when he took the mound against the New York Mets on June 25, surrendering one run on three hits without recording an out. The veteran southpaw hit the IL a couple days later after undergoing an emergency appendectomy.

He had spent the last three-plus weeks on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa, so it was time for the organization to make a decision. Milner tossed a clean inning Tuesday and tallied a 2.53 ERA in 10 appearances for the squad. Assuming he still feels healthy, the 2012 seventh-round draft pick should be able to find work.

Teams are always looking for bullpen reinforcements during the last month of the regular season. Milner could eat innings and help a manager preserve his top relievers for the playoffs. Many North Siders are probably confused why the Cubs are not assigning him a roster slot. Given Chicago’s frequent pitching injuries, it is a little surprising to see president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer cut Hoby Milner loose.

It is done now, though. The Cubs presumably have an alternative plan, and it obviously does not include the Dallas, Texas native.

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