The Chicago Cubs have made some major bullpen decisions on Saturday morning.
Veteran Reliever Designated for Assignment
– The Cubs have designated Tyson Miller for assignment after activating him off the 60-day injured list. Despite posting a strong 2.77 ERA over 13 Triple‑A innings, Miller is out of minor-league options and couldn’t fit on a crowded big-league roster
Recall from Triple‑AChicago has brought up Tom Cosgrove, a left-hander acquired from San Diego in April, after he delivered four scoreless innings in Triple‑A Iowa. Cosgrove boasted a 1.75 ERA in 54 relief appearances during his 2023 MLB debut with the Padres, though he struggled to an 11.66 ERA in 18 games last year
Strategic Context
-
Roster requirements: Miller’s DFA results from lack of option years and no clear bullpen slot
-
Bullpen balance: Cosgrove, alongside other lefty arms like Pomeranz and Thielbar, enhances matchup versatility for manager Craig Counsell
-
Upside-risk profile: Cosgrove offers intriguing upside given his previous success and current Triple‑A form, despite recent inconsistencies .
🧐 What to Watch
-
Cosgrove’s return: Will he regain his 2023 form and stabilize in high-leverage innings?
-
Miller’s fate: He could clear waivers and stick in Triple-A or be claimed by another team.
-
Overall bullpen performance: With key arms returning from injury, this move tests how adaptable and deep the Cubs relief core can be.
Bottom Line: A roster-driven decision—moving on from Miller to open space for Cosgrove, whose fresh start could pay off if he rediscovers his prior effectiveness.
