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Miley getting closer, Cubs eager to get him into rotation

The Cubs have had a tough time getting consistent performances out of their starting pitchers, but the rotation should drastically improve when veteran Wade Miley is ready to go.

Miley, who has been working his way back from left elbow inflammation and a neck injury, allowed 2 hits and no runs in 4 innings during a rehab start for Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. He needed just 41 pitches and threw 15 more times in the bullpen afterward.

The Cubs claimed Miley off waivers from the Reds on Nov. 7. The 35-year-old went 12-7 with a 3.37 ERA in 28 starts (163 IP) last season and was 14-6 with a 3.98 ERA for the Astros in 2019.

"Been part of a lot of winning (before)," said manager David Ross. "Just knows how to navigate a lineup, knows how to go out and compete every five days. ... Definitely a stabling force in the rotation - along with some of the other veterans we have - in bringing along some of these younger guys."

Miley plans to throw a bullpen session Sunday, then will see "how it feels and go from there."

If all goes smoothly Miley could start during the upcoming six-game road trip to San Diego and Arizona. Miley was hoping to return sooner, but knows it's not smart to rush back from an injury.

"I want to be out there for sure," he said. "But that's the hard part when you're dealing with any injury - (it's) about staying smart and trusting the process. You rush back, you (pitch) for one or two, and then you're right back on the shelf. It's no good for anybody."

Sticking with it:

Drew Smyly needed 38 pitches to get out of the first inning of the Cubs' 7-0 Game 1 loss to the Dodgers, but he ended up allowing just 3 runs (2 earned) over 4⅓ innings. Smiley issued 2 walks to the first five batters he faced and also gave up a double to Freddie Freeman.

"I was just really struggling with attacking and getting ahead and landing my curveball, which is my best pitch," Smyly said. "That's probably the worst team to face when you're not being aggressive in the zone. ... They don't really chase."

Smyly (1-3, 3.04 ERA) has thrown 5 or fewer innings in his 5 starts this season. He was supposed to start against the White Sox on Tuesday, but was placed on the bereavement list.

Around the horn:

Nico Hoerner went 2-for-3 in Game 1 of the Cubs' doubleheader with Los Angeles on Saturday to raise his batting average to .291. Hoerner is 19-for-58 (.328) with 3 doubles, a triple, a HR and 9 RBI in his last 17 games. ... SS Adrelton Simmons (right shoulder inflammation) began a rehab stint in Iowa on Saturday. He played in the field Saturday and is slated to DH on Sunday. ... LHP Justin Steele will start Monday's game at San Diegeo. ... RHP Alec Mills (lower back strain) will throw off a mound over the next few days. ... It took only 24 games for the Cubs' bullpen to reach 100 innings, the fewest in franchise history. The previous low was 25 games in 1981 and 2021.

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