The Chicago Cubs’ bullpen is starting to look more stable in the second month of the 2025 season. Brad Keller, Porter Hodge, Julian Merryweather and Daniel Palencia have been steady contributors in recent weeks.
However, closer Ryan Pressly’s blowup against the San Francisco Giants has everyone second-guessing his ability to handle the ninth inning. His inability to record an out that night, and his lingering knee issue that caused him to miss some time in mid-April, could see manager Craig Counsell make a change that shakes up the bullpen. If Pressly goes on the injured list or is moved out of the closer job, Hodge would likely take his place at the back of the pen.
But there are a couple relievers in Triple-A that could give the bullpen some fresh reinforcements this month.
Tyson Miller
It’s been about a year since the Cubs traded for Tyson Miller, sending Jake Slaughter to the Seattle Mariners for the right-handed reliever. Miller became one of Manager Craig Counsell’s most trusted arms last season, when he compiled a 2.15 ERA, 14 holds, and 42 strikeouts. He also limited opposing hitters to a .178 batting average with a 0.81 WHIP over 50.1 innings pitched.
After struggling in spring training this year, Miller was placed on the 15-day injured list with a hip impingement. But it appears the 29-year-old is ready to return to the major league squad. Since April 15, Miller has been on a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, where he has only surrendered one earned run over 8 1/3 innings pitched.
Miller has been getting steady work over the last few weeks, and he looks sharp. At this point, he is the next logical option to call up. Miller was an effective high-leverage pitcher last season, and he could get work in the later innings of close games.
Ryan Brasier
Ryan Brasier came to the Cubs in February when the team sent cash to the Los Angeles Dodgers to acquire the setup man. The veteran righty posted a 3.54 ERA for the Dodgers in 2024, striking out 25 batters with a 0.96 WHIP.
Brasier has only appeared one time for the Cubs, and it was against his former team in Tokyo. After that outing, Brasier was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left groin strain. The veteran recently started throwing again, and he recorded a scoreless appearance for the Iowa Cubs on May 7.
Brasier was expected to be a main component of the bullpen heading into 2025 and it appears he is on track to return soon to help the Cubs in tight games.