Cincinnati Reds pitching depth faces another possible hit with looming Wade Miley decision

Yahoo

2 days ago

CHICAGO – The Cincinnati Reds might lose another starting pitching option by the time they get home this week for a three-game series against division-rival Milwaukee Brewers.
Veteran left-hander Wade Miley, who threw 87 pitches across five good innings in Triple-A Friday, has a June 1 opt-out on the minor-league deal he signed with the Reds in January.
Wade Miley has been building up arm strength for the Reds at Triple-A Louisville, but the veteran can opt out of his minor league deal on June 1. 'We have to make a decision,' manager Terry Francona said.
And manager Terry Francona suggested the likelihood of Miley exercising the clause if the Reds don't find a place for him on the big-league roster.
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'We have to make a decision,' Francona said.
Miley, 38, who is in the final stages of rehab from 2024 Tommy John surgery, isn't expected to stay in Triple-A in the organization if the Reds decide not to promote him.
'I don't think so,' Francona said. 'He'll have opportunities to pitch.'
Several teams that consider themselves playoff contenders have significant needs for starting pitching, including the last two teams that employed Miley: the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs and the defending division-champ Milwaukee Brewers.
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Miley, a former All-Star with 310 career starts and a 4.07 ERA, also has a reputation as a widely respected and popular clubhouse influence.
Miley's split deal called for a base salary of $2.5 million (prorated) for time on the big-league roster.
The Reds, who already have lost Carson Spiers (shoulder) and Rhett Lowder (oblique) to injuries for most or all of this season, don't appear to have an opening in a rotation manned by Andrew Abbott (1.51 ERA), Hunter Greene (2.36), Nick Martinez (3.48), Nick Lodolo (3.39) and Brady Singer (4.60).
Further complicating the process is the fact Miley has had some short starts during his buildup, including one that lasted just two-thirds of an inning May 25.
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'It kind of hurt us in the fact that – it's not like they're gonna give you extra time,' Francona said. 'We've got to make a decision.'
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Big decision on Wade Miley looms for Cincinnati Reds