Miley, Simmons likely to open season on Cubs' injured list

Expected to fill the No. 3 slot in the Cubs' starting rotation behind Kyle Hendricks and Marcus Stroman this season, Wade Miley might miss the first month of the season.

The 35-year-old lefty never was healthy enough to pitch in a spring training game and he's being shut down at least 10 days with a sore elbow.

"It started to get a little bit worse and it's just not going away," Cubs manager David Ross told reporters Friday. "We'll let that thing calm down and get him back started. He'll be down for about 10 days and then crank back up."

After going 12-7 with a 3.37 ERA and pitching a no-hitter for the Reds last season, Miley was placed on waivers.

The Cubs claimed him from Cincinnati and assumed Miley's $10 million salary for 2022.

With Miley sidelined until late April or May, the Cubs have multiple candidates to fill his rotation spot.

With Drew Smyly likely in as one of the five starters, Alec Mills, Justin Steele, Keegan Thompson, Daniel Norris, Brailyn Marquez, Anderson Espinoza, Cory Abbott and Adrian Sampson are options for the rotation.

Shortstop Andrelton Simmons, who signed a one-year, $4 million contract on March 11, could also open the regular season on the injured list.

Simmons has been dealing with a sore right shoulder and has played in only one Cactus League game.

"He's definitely behind," Ross said. "He feels like he's trending in the right direction, but it's getting pretty close (to Opening Day) and I want to make sure. We've got a long season ahead of us and he's a real important piece for us. We have to make sure he gets out of camp healthy."

A four-time Gold Glove winner, Simmons hit .223/.283/.274 with 3 home runs and 31 RBI in 131 games with the Twins last year.

The Cubs also announced second baseman Nick Madrigal was scratched from playing in an exhibition game against the Diamondbacks Friday due to leg fatigue.

Before being acquired in a trade with the White Sox last July, Madrigal tore his right hamstring in early June and missed the rest of the season.