Cubs Roster Moves: Tyson Miller Activated Off of COVID-19 IL, Austin Romine Moved to 60-Day IL

It’s been kind of a quiet 40-man issue since the start of the season: the Cubs had a freebie spot because pitcher Tyson Miller had been on the COVID-related IL. While on that list, his 40-man roster spot was not counted, which means the Cubs had one extra spot to maneuver at the margins of the roster.

But that couldn’t last forever, because – thankfully! – Miller was going to get well eventually, and thus the Cubs would have to make a move like they did today:

On the plus side, the Cubs didn’t have to lose anyone from the organization in order to activate Miller, but on the down side, transferring Romine to the 60-day IL means that his wrist injury is rather bad. He won’t be eligible to return now until the end of June. So, hey, Tony Wolters is gonna get plenty of run with the Cubs in the meantime.

As for Miller, 25, he was going to be one of the Cubs’ depth starters at the alt site/Iowa in the early going until the COVID thing happened, and now he’s a little behind schedule. Eventually, he’ll join the Triple-A rotation, where he got a taste in 2019. Bryan ranked Miller the 30th best prospect in the system before the season, with these words on the 2016 4th rounder:

Skill set: Pitches above stuff due to deception achieved via unique blend of delivery, approach angle, and extension. Generally executes and commands a five-pitch mix at an above-average level. Four-seam fastball has above-average cutting movement. Changeup took a step forward in 2020, even becoming his preferred secondary.

Developmental focus: Getting the slider to be a true strikeout pitch. Needs a two-strike weapon, and the slider is the pitch with the best potential.

Big League Projection: When Miller’s velocity slipped a bit in 2019, I was worried he might be pigeonholed into a back-of-rotation starter or bust scenario. However, an increase in velo in 2020, and the advanced numbers he showed in terms of his approach angle give me confidence that Miller has two paths worth trying. I suspect we see him tried in both in MLB in 2021.

written by

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

Cubs Farm Report | April 19, 2024: Kevin Alcántara is Heating Up!

The Iowa Cubs were rained out, but the rest of the farm was in action, and so was Kevin Alcántara, who picked up four hits and now has seven in his last three games as he breaks out of an...

Chicago Cubs Lineup: (Almost) All the Righties!

*The Cubs were rained out yesterday, but today? Today, we've got a Friday 1:20 start at Wrigley Field, and that means all is right in the world. Before you take a look at the Cubs lineup against Miami, check out...

It’s Not Kyle Hendricks Last Chance (But…), Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, and Other Cubs Bullets

Well, the rain stole one from us yesterday, which is a blessing and a curse. On the bright side, the bullpen gets an extra day of rest (on top of the day Hayden Wesneski bought them). But on the flip...

The Chicago Cubs Are Not Stealing Bases So Far This Year

The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...

Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

Latest News

Brewers vs. Cardinals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

The St. Louis Cardinals (9-10), led by Willson Contreras on an 11-game hitting streak, will meet the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6) Friday at Busch Stadium. The Brewers are -122 favorites for the matchup, which starts at 8:15 PM ET on BSMW.Milwaukee's...

Orioles vs. Royals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

Two of the league's top power hitters meet Friday when the Baltimore Orioles (12-6) and Kansas City Royals (12-7) take the field at 7:40 PM ET, live on BSKC. Gunnar Henderson has six home runs for the Orioles (-139 favorites...

Twins vs. Tigers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Minnesota Twins (6-11) are -151 favorites to break their four-game losing streak when they face the Detroit Tigers (10-9), losers of two in a row. The game begins Friday at 8:10 PM ET on BSDET, live from Target Field.Joe...

Coby White Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Heat – Friday, April 19, 2024

On Friday at 7:00 PM ET, the Chicago Bulls meet the Miami Heat in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and Coby White's 3-pointer prop for this clash requires three trifectas.Coby White's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the HeatCoby White's over/under for three-pointers...

Nikola Vucevic Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Heat – Friday, April 19, 2024

Nikola Vucevic's Chicago Bulls face the Miami Heat on Friday at 7:00 PM ET in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and to beat his 3-point prop, he needs to make two from beyond the arc.Nikola Vucevic's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the...

DeMar DeRozan Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Heat – Friday, April 19, 2024

At 7:00 PM ET on Friday, in the NBA Play-In Tournament, it'll be the Chicago Bulls against the Miami Heat -- with DeMar DeRozan needing to connect only once from beyond the arc to beat his 3-pointer prop.DeMar DeRozan's Three-Pointer...

Bam Adebayo Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Bulls – Friday, April 19, 2024

At 7:00 PM ET on Friday, in the NBA Play-In Tournament, it'll be the Miami Heat versus the Chicago Bulls -- with Bam Adebayo needing to score just once from beyond the arc to beat his 3-pointer prop.Bam Adebayo's Three-Pointer...

Mariners vs. Rockies Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

Following a stretch of three consecutive wins, the Seattle Mariners (9-10) play the Colorado Rockies (4-15) at 8:40 PM ET on Friday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Mariners will send Emerson Hancock (1-2) to the mound, while Dakota...

Reds vs. Angels Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Cincinnati Reds (9-9) will try to put a stop to their current three-game losing streak when they host the Los Angeles Angels (9-10) at 6:40 PM ET on BSOH Friday. Bookmakers consider the Reds to be -126 favorites to...

Guardians vs. Athletics Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Cleveland Guardians (13-6) are favorites (-170) on the moneyline when they take on the Oakland Athletics (8-11) Friday at 7:10 PM ET, live on BSGL.Triston McKenzie gets the starting nod for Cleveland while Joseph Boyle is Oakland's starter for...

more cubs news