News Summary
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shelby Miller has undergone extensive elbow surgery and is expected to miss most of the upcoming MLB season. Acquired from the Diamondbacks, Miller had shown promise with a strong performance before a significant injury forced him to the sidelines. This marks his second UCL surgery, raising concerns about his future in baseball as he approaches free agency. The Brewers are now left to adjust their strategy without one of their key contributors while the Diamondbacks face their own pitching challenges.
Milwaukee, WI – Shelby Miller, the 35-year-old pitcher recently acquired by the Milwaukee Brewers from the Arizona Diamondbacks, has undergone significant elbow surgery and is expected to miss most of the 2026 MLB season. Miller’s surgery, which took place on October 13, 2025, was necessary to repair his right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and flexor tendon after suffering a right UCL sprain. His recovery timeline suggests he may return to the mound in late 2026 or early 2027.
The Brewers initially traded for Miller ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline, opting for a cautious approach by adding minor pieces rather than making significant moves. Miller made a brief impact for Milwaukee, appearing in only 11 games before a season-ending injury forced him into a 60-day injured list, retroactive to September 2, 2025. Miller had previously dealt with a forearm strain while with the Diamondbacks, which contributed to concerns about his injury history.
In the 2025 season, Miller performed well, posting an impressive 2.74 ERA and striking out 54 batters while walking only 15 across 46 innings pitched before his injury. However, after a short return in mid-August, he experienced a “pop” in his elbow, signaling a more severe condition than anticipated. The Brewers had been aware of Miller’s injury risks at the time of the trade, opting to proceed without giving up any prospects.
This surgery represents the second UCL procedure in Miller’s professional career, following a Tommy John surgery he had in May 2017. The decision for surgery was more complex than initially hoped, as Miller had wished for a less invasive option. As he moves forward, there remains uncertainty regarding his future in Major League Baseball, especially as he heads into free agency after the World Series.
Despite recent success in his late thirties, the history of pitchers recovering from multiple UCL surgeries does not provide encouraging precedents. The Milwaukee Brewers, having recognized Miller’s potential while also factoring in his health history, are now left to navigate a challenging landscape without one of their anticipated contributors for most of 2026.
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have also faced a series of significant pitcher injuries throughout the season, complicating their strategies and performance as they fight for success in the competitive landscape of MLB. Miller’s situation not only impacts the Brewers and their immediate plans but also raises questions about how teams will manage veteran pitchers with extensive injury histories going forward.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Brewers Pending Free Agent Undergoes Elbow Surgery
- Google Search: Shelby Miller elbow surgery
- Deadspin: Shelby Miller Expected to Miss 2026 Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UCL surgery
- CBS Sports: Brewers Shelby Miller Requires UCL Flexor Surgery
- Google Scholar: UCL surgery in baseball
- MLB Trade Rumors: Shelby Miller Undergoes Elbow Surgery
- Google News: Shelby Miller
- MLB.com: Brewers Acquire Shelby Miller
- Wikipedia: Shelby Miller

Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.