Cubs’ Miley activated, exits with sore shoulderon June 11, 2022 at 12:50 am

NEW YORK — Chicago Cubs left-hander Wade Miley, making his first appearance since May 22, left Friday’s start against the New York Yankees after just three innings due to soreness in his left shoulder.

Miley, 35, was activated from the injured list before the game. He had been out since experiencing a left shoulder strain late last month.

Miley allowed no runs on three hits and struck out two before being replaced by reliever Daniel Norris to start the fourth.

Miley’s return was part of a series of roster moves by the Cubs in advance of Friday’s game, including placing righty Marcus Stroman on the injured list due to right shoulder inflammation.

The team also activated Yan Gomes (oblique) and Jonathan Villar (mouth) from the injured list while reinstating reliever Chris Martin from the bereavement list.

To make room for the moves, outfielder Clint Frazier was designated for assignment while first baseman Alfonso Rivas and reliever Michael Rucker were optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

The Cubs were hopeful Frazier could restart his career after injury issues with the Yankees, but the emergence of Christopher Morel combined with an appendectomy for Frazier set him back. Frazier was hitting .216 with a .356 on-base percentage in just 37 at-bats

“We haven’t been able to give him real opportunities to watch him succeed,” Cubs manager David Ross said. “It’s a roster construction spot. We like Frazier. We’d like to keep him but we don’t know if that’s a possibility or not.

“He was upset. Emotional would be a good word. I think he likes it here a lot.”

Ross was asked if Frazier could have taken at-bats away from Jason Heyward, the 32-year-old veteran who is hitting .217. Heyward is starting Friday night.

“No,” Ross said. “J-Hey will get the right-handed [against righties] at-bats.”

Read More