The Chicago Cubs front office prioritized bullpen upgrades and pitching depth headed into the 2026 season.

One of the moves made to upgrade the Chicago bullpen was the signing of veteran left-hander Hoby Milner. Milner inked a one-year, $3.75 million contract and was expected to be a reliable left-hander out of the bullpen.

That's not how the season played out, however, as a prolonged injury stint has now led to a surprising roster decision involving Milner.

Hoby Milner has been designated for assignment

Milner had been out on rehab assignments for nearly a month and his 30-day maximum stay in the minor leagues was coming to an end. Cubs' manager Craig Counsell spoke Friday and said that a decision on Milner would soon be made and that has now happened. 

According to MLB insider Mark Feinsand, the Cubs have designated Milner for assignment. It is a bit of a shocking decision, as Chicago has struggled with production from its left-handed bullpen options this season.

What are the plans for Chicago with its bullpen in October?

In a National League that is loaded with outstanding left-handed hitters, it would make sense for a team like the Cubs to have reliable left-handed pitchers available out of their bullpen.

As it stands, it would likely be Ryan Rolison (2.82 ERA) and Caleb Thielbar (5.09 ERA) as the primary options. Milner had been much better than Thielbar the entire season, making the decision to let him go rather than Thielbar quite puzzling.

Are the Cubs expecting Justin Steele to be a potential option?

The only silver lining of Milner being let go could be that Chicago feels good about its chances to have left-hander Justin Steele as a bullpen option.

Steele is expected to throw another live BP session in Arizona over the weekend before going out on rehab assignments to build himself up. If he becomes available, it'll lighten the blow of the organization deciding to part ways with Milner rather than with Thielbar.