Rehabbing Cubs Reliever Shelby Miller Could Return by September

The veteran pitcher is aiming to make a comeback after undergoing elbow reconstruction surgery.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Shelby Miller, a veteran MLB pitcher who has played for numerous teams, is working to recover from elbow reconstruction surgery he underwent in October 2025. Despite the typical lengthy recovery timeline for such a procedure, Miller is optimistic he could return to the mound for the Chicago Cubs by September 2026, according to his comments to the Chicago Tribune. The 35-year-old right-hander has an extensive injury history but is determined to contribute to the Cubs' pitching staff this season.

Why it matters

Miller's potential return would be a boost for the Cubs, who struggled with pitching depth in last year's postseason run. The team is hoping the veteran can regain the form he showed in 2023 when he set a career-high in fastball velocity and strikeout rate, providing a valuable bullpen arm if he can stay healthy.

The details

After undergoing Tommy John surgery, Miller is scheduled for an MRI next week that should clear him to begin a throwing program. The pitcher said his surgeon, Dr. Keith Meister, has told him he could return to MLB action by September. Miller has been working hard in the gym and is optimistic about his recovery, though his lengthy injury history, which includes at least 10 IL stints, makes a 2026 return an ambitious timeline.

  • Miller underwent elbow reconstruction surgery in October 2025.
  • Miller is scheduled for an MRI next week that should clear him to start a throwing program.
  • Miller is aiming to return to the mound in an MLB game by September 2026.

The players

Shelby Miller

A 35-year-old right-handed pitcher who has played for numerous MLB teams, including the Cardinals, Braves, Diamondbacks, and Cubs. He is currently rehabbing from elbow reconstruction surgery with the goal of returning to the Cubs' pitching staff in 2026.

Dr. Keith Meister

The orthopedic surgeon who performed Miller's elbow reconstruction surgery and has told the pitcher he could return to MLB action by September 2026.

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What they’re saying

“He wrote off on, 'Hey, we're gonna get you back this year' just by the way I'm rebounding on workouts and the way my arm looks and feels. My goal is hopefully be back even a little bit sooner than that (September), depending on how I feel, but I'm really optimistic about getting back this year and contributing.”

— Shelby Miller, Pitcher (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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