CHICAGO — Veteran pitcher Wade Miley has chosen to exit his minor league agreement with the Cincinnati Reds, positioning himself as a free agent. The 38-year-old left-hander is making a comeback from Tommy John surgery. During his tenure this season with the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Bats, Miley recorded a 1-2 record with a 8.84 ERA over seven starts.
The Reds faced a deadline on Sunday to make a decision regarding Miley’s future. While they had the option to incorporate him into their bullpen, Miley is seeking a role as a starter. Reds manager Terry Francona acknowledged the thoughtful approach taken by Nick Krall, the president of baseball operations, in allowing Miley the opportunity to explore other prospects.
“With the potential to place him in the bullpen, trying to hold on to him could impact his aspirations,” Francona remarked. “Nick effectively managed the situation, ensuring Miley had the freedom to look into potentially better opportunities.” Miley, an All-Star during his 2012 stint with the Arizona Diamondbacks, holds a career record of 108-99, with a 4.07 ERA spanning across 310 starts and seven relief appearances in his 14-season MLB career. Last year, while with Milwaukee, he had a 0-1 record and a 6.43 ERA over two starts before succumbing to injury.
Francona mentioned that there remains a possibility for Miley to return to the Reds if he doesn’t find a more fitting opportunity elsewhere in free agency. On another front, Francona revealed that infielder Jeimer Candelario is set to commence a minor league rehabilitation assignment on Monday as he recovers from a lower-back ailment.
The 31-year-old is slated to participate in a series of games in Arizona, with plans to subsequently transition his rehab to Louisville. “Arizona provides a controlled environment where players can get back into action by facing some pitches. Once they’ve regained momentum, they can then progress to Triple-A,” Francona explained prior to the Reds’ 7-3 loss against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.
Candelario, who entered a $45 million, three-year contract before the 2024 season, has struggled this year, hitting just .113 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 22 games.