Full Breakdown
Hoby Milner’s Roster Status Sparks Confusion as Cubs Navigate Bullpen Crunch
8/30/2026, 11:29:54 AM
Core Event: Cubs Place Veteran Reliever Hoby Milner on Waivers Amid Bullpen Strain
During the Cubs-Reds series opener on August 28, 2026, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand said the Cubs had designated left-hander Hoby Milner for assignment. The report was corrected: manager Craig Counsell said Milner had not been DFA’d, and The Athletic’s Sahadev Sharma reported the team placed Milner on outright waivers. An update later indicated Milner was DFA’d after clearing waivers, but the club has not issued a definitive statement.
Background & Context
Milner signed a one-year, $3.75 million contract and appeared in 38 relief outings for Chicago, posting a 3.53 ERA before landing on the 15-day injured list with an appendectomy in late June. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on July 29; the 30-day window to activate him was set to expire. The Cubs’ bullpen has struggled, prompting the need for roster flexibility to potentially activate relievers such as Shelby Miller or Justin Steele.
Timeline
- June 19, 2026 – Milner pitched the ninth inning against Toronto.
- July 29, 2026 – Rehab assignment started in Triple-A Iowa.
- August 28, 2026 – Feinsand reported Milner would enter the waiver process and was DFA’d.
- Later Aug 28 – Counsell denied a DFA; Sharma reported placement on outright waivers.
- August 29, 2026 – Insider update said Milner was DFA’d after clearing waivers.
Data & Statistics
- 2026 season (Cubs): 38 relief appearances, 3.53 ERA, 18 strikeouts in 35.2 innings.
- Triple-A rehab: 10 games, 9.2 innings, 2.53 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 9 strikeouts.
- Career totals: 14-9 record, 3.80 ERA over 377.0 innings.
Official Statements & Responses
- Craig Counsell said Milner had not been removed from the 40-man roster.
- Sahadev Sharma reported the Cubs placed Milner on outright waivers, keeping him on the 40-man roster while the process proceeds.
- An unnamed Cubs insider later indicated a DFA after clearing waivers, though no official confirmation was released.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Mark Feinsand initially said Milner was DFA’d.
- Counsell and Sharma said he was only on waivers.
- A later insider update suggests a DFA occurred after the waiver period, but the club has not announced a final status.
Why It Matters / Impact
- Removing Milner frees a 40-man roster spot, allowing Chicago to add another reliever or promote a prospect as the postseason stretch begins.
- If claimed, the Cubs would lose the remaining ? $800,000 of his contract.
- Retaining Milner on a minor-league deal would add depth without occupying a roster slot, addressing bullpen inconsistencies.
What’s Next
- Other clubs have a 48-hour window from the August 28 filing to submit claims.
- If unclaimed, the Cubs must decide whether to keep Milner on a minor-league contract, officially remove him from the 40-man roster, or use the opening to activate another reliever as rosters expand in September.
