Injured Reds veteran is fighting to prove his career isn’t over yet

Veteran pitcher Wade Miley is giving it one more try. The Cincinnati Reds sent Miley on a rehab assignment at Double-A Chattanooga on Friday and the left-hander allowed one run on one hit over 1⅔ innings of work for the Lookouts. Miley walked two, struck out a pair, and was lifted after 38 pitches.

The veteran southpaw — battling back from a flexor strain he suffered in late-June — has only appeared in 12 innings this season, authoring a 6.75 ERA in three appearances after missing over a year following Tommy John surgery. The Reds are hoping Miley can return to the team sometime in the coming weeks, though it's yet to be determined what his role would be.

Injured Reds veteran Wade Miley is fighting to prove his career isn’t over yet

Miley has been on something of an NL Central tour over the last half-decade, playing for the Reds from 2020-21, the Chicago Cubs in 2022, the Milwaukee Brewers from 2023-2024, and now back with the Reds this season.

While his comeback attempt registers as a feel good story, injuries have been the story of this most recent chapter of Miley's career. Before the Tommy John surgery last season, Miley was plagued by both shoulder and elbow troubles during his tenure with the Brewers. It's clear that Miley is on his last legs, however, his tenacity is inspiring, and he remains a beloved figure in the clubhouse and a mentor to all of the young pitchers on the Reds' staff.

Given the Reds' rotation depth, if Miley is to return to the Reds this season, it'll almost certainly be as a reliever. Sam Moll and Brent Suter are the primary left-handed relievers in the bullpen right now, though Moll has struggled (6.91 ERA) this year.

Miley has held left-handed batters to a .633 OPS (72 OPS+) throughout his 15-year career, but owns a .770 mark against right-handed hitters. As a lefty specialist or long reliever, he could fill in as needed down the stretch if health allows.

This rehab assignment could prove to be Miley's final stand as a professional baseball player. Hopefully, his body will cooperate, and he'll get one more chance to make an impact as the Reds seek out their first playoff bid since 2020.

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