The Cubs parted ways with a familiar face in the bullpen last week, and the veteran quickly found a new home as another club tries to stay in the playoff picture.
Left-hander Hoby Milner, a 10-year major leaguer, was waived by Chicago and claimed by the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. The move came after the Cubs released him following a two-month absence caused by appendicitis.
Milner posted a 1-0 record and 3.53 ERA in 38 appearances for the Cubs this season before the health issue sent him to the injured list in late June. He underwent surgery after waking up with severe stomach pain during a road trip.
Chicago designated him for assignment last week and ultimately released him, clearing a roster spot ahead of a series against an NL Central rival. The Cubs are still responsible for most of his $3.75 million salary.
The 35-year-old compiled a 14-9 career mark and 3.80 ERA over 405 games with six teams before landing in Seattle. He previously pitched for the Phillies, Rays, Angels, Brewers and Rangers.
Milner relies on a low arm slot and an 87 mph sinker to generate ground balls. His strikeout rate dipped this year, which likely contributed to the Cubs’ decision to move on.
The Mariners, sitting 64-74 and 5.5 games out of the final American League wild-card spot, selected Milner’s contract after he signed a minor league deal Monday. He is eligible for the postseason if Seattle makes a late run.
Seattle also promoted outfield prospect Lazaro Montes from Triple-A Tacoma and designated utilityman Connor Joe and pitcher Nolan Kingham for assignment.
For the Cubs, the transaction is another roster shuffle in a season that has seen them mix and match relievers. Milner had been a reliable left-handed option when healthy, appearing in 38 games and recording one save.
He last pitched June 25 against the Mets, allowing a run in a brief outing that left his ERA at 3.53. The appendicitis interruption ended his time in a Cubs uniform.
Chicago’s bullpen has dealt with several injuries and inconsistencies this year. Releasing a veteran who missed two months allowed the club to evaluate younger arms or different combinations down the stretch.
Milner’s career path has taken him through multiple organizations as a situational lefty. The Cubs signed him last winter to a one-year deal hoping he would stabilize the late innings.
Instead, the health setback and modest strikeout numbers prompted the club to cut ties. Seattle is taking a low-risk look at the same pitcher for the final month.
The Mariners trail Houston by six games in the AL West and have lost five in a row. Adding Milner gives them another experienced arm as rosters expand.
Cubs fans who watched Milner work at Wrigley Field earlier this season now see him wearing a different uniform. The left-hander faces an uphill climb to October with his new team, just as Chicago focuses on its own remaining schedule.
The Cubs made the decision knowing another club might claim him. That club turned out to be Seattle, which is using September to experiment with both veterans and prospects.
