The Arizona Diamondbacks have traded relief pitcher Shelby Miller to the Milwaukee Brewers, FanSided’s Robert Murray first reported at Thursday’s trade deadline.
Additionally, the D-backs traded left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery to the Brewers for salary relief after Montgomery underwent Tommy John surgery at the start of the year.
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported that the D-backs did not get anything back in the deal, while the Brewers took on a chunk of Montgomery’s contract. Arizona saved $3 million with the trade, per Gambadoro.
The Diamondbacks also traded first baseman Josh Naylor, third baseman Eugenio Suarez, outfielder Randal Grichuk and pitcher Merrill Kelly at the deadline for prospects.
Miller has been a staple in the Arizona bullpen with a 1.98 ERA and 10 saves in 36.1 innings pitched, taking over as the de facto closer due to injuries. The right-hander went on the 15-day injured list on July 7 with a right flexor tendon strain, and after receiving a second opinion, he got the go ahead to start throwing again and rehab.
His last appearance was on July 5.
Miller rejoined the Diamondbacks for a second stint with the franchise during spring training after he signed a minor league deal. His first experience with Arizona was disastrous, as he made 29 appearances between 2016-18 with a 6.35 ERA after the D-backs traded No. 1 overall pick Dansby Swanson for him. Miller underwent Tommy John surgery in 2017.
From touted young starting pitcher to fighting for opportunities to stay in the big leagues, Miller transformed into a reliever and rejuvenated his career. He threw 97.2 innings of relief for the Dodgers and Tigers between 2023-24 with a 3.32 ERA, attacking hitters differently with a split-finger changeup to work off his four-seamer.
This season, he made 13 appearances without allowing an earned run to start the campaign. He allowed one earned run over his last seven games before hitting the IL.
Miller will hit free agency at the end of the season.
Montgomery opted into a $22.5 million player option for this season as a bounce-back candidate following a disastrous 2024 campaign for the veteran southpaw. After coming into camp in better shape, he suffered a finger strain that halted his progression. He returned, but before Opening Day he revealed that he needed elbow surgery and was out for the year.
