ALEC MILLS NEWS

Wick's 2-run error in 11th gifts Red Sox 4-2 win over Cubs

Pitcher Rowan Wick threw Trevor Story’s comebacker down the right-field line for a two-run error with two outs in the 11th inning, and the Boston Red Sox outlasted the Chicago Cubs...

JULY 3, 2022 • Associated Press

Back issue forces trip to IL The Cubs placed Mills on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a lower-back strain, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Impact Mills picked up the injury just seven pitches into his start in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Red Sox. Mark Leiter stepped up in long relief and struck out five over 5.1 innings en route to capturing the win, so he could be the most logical candidate to enter the rotation as a replacement for Mills. The Cubs will likely hold Mills out through the All-Star break with the back injury, and he's not expected to return to the rotation once activated. Chicago should get at least one of its other injured starters (Marcus Stroman, Wade Miley and Drew Smyly) back before Mills is ready to go.

JULY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Cubs try to keep home win streak going, host the Red Sox

The Chicago Cubs, on a four-game home winning streak, host the Boston Red Sox

JULY 3, 2022 • Associated Press

Leiter works 5 1/3 in emergency relief, Cubs top Boston 3-1

Mark Leiter Jr. threw 5 1/3 solid innings of emergency relief, Nico Hoerner and Patrick Wisdom each had two hits and the Chicago Cubs capitalized on a pair of Boston errors and bea...

JULY 3, 2022 • Associated Press

Leaves with back pain Mills left Saturday's game against the Red Sox with lower-back pain, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Impact Just seven pitches into his start Saturday, Mills hunched over in pain and ultimately left the field. The Cubs later provided specifics, although it's uncertain whether Mills is in danger of missing additional time. Mark Leiter entered Saturday's game in relief and could step in for a spot start next week if MIlls is unable to go.

JULY 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Cubs pitcher Alec Mills exits with back injury vs. Red Sox

Chicago Cubs pitcher Alec Mills left Saturday’s game against the Boston Red Sox due to lower back pain after throwing just seven pitches

JULY 3, 2022 • Associated Press

Gets another start Mills will start Saturday's home game against the Red Sox.

Impact Mills replaced Matt Swarmer in the rotation last weekend in St. Louis, and like Swarmer before him, the 30-year-old proved vulnerable to the long ball. He served up three home runs en route to taking a loss to the Cardinals, giving up five earned runs on six hits and one walk across 2.2 innings. Mills will get a chance to redeem himself Saturday, but regardless of how he performs against the Red Sox or in any starts that might follow, he'll be at risk of moving back to the bullpen as soon as one of Marcus Stroman (shoulder), Drew Smyly (oblique) or Wade Miley (shoulder) returns from the injured list.

JULY 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Cubs host the Red Sox, try to continue home win streak

The Chicago Cubs, on a three-game home winning streak, host the Boston Red Sox

JULY 2, 2022 • Associated Press

LEADING OFF: Rookies Morel, Hall look to extend homer runs

Cubs rookie Christopher Morel has homered in three straight games and looks to keep up the run when he faces Boston at Wrigley Field on Saturday

JULY 2, 2022 • Associated Press

Morel homers in 3rd straight game, Cubs beat Red Sox 6-5

Rookie Christopher Morel homered in his third consecutive game, and the Chicago Cubs rallied to beat the Boston Red Sox 6-5

JULY 1, 2022 • Associated Press

Rocked by home runs Mills gave up five earned runs on six hits and a walk while striking out one over 2.2 innings in a 6-5 win over the Cardinals on Sunday. He did not factor into the decision.

Impact Mills made his first start of the year and was pummeled by three home runs, which chased him from the game in the third inning. The 30-year-old low-leverage middle reliever had come into the game with an 8.59 ERA, so expectations were very low. The Cubs managed to claw back and win the game in extra innings, but their chances of winning won't be very good if they have to depend on Mills to start games. Despite a plethora of injuries to Cubs starters Marcus Stroman (shoulder), Drew Smyly (oblique) and Wade Miley (shoulder), Mills will likely return to his role as a bullpen innings-eater after his poor performance.

JUNE 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Cubs overcome 5-run deficit to beat Cards 6-5, Flaherty hurt

Willson Contreras hit a tiebreaking single in the 10th inning to drive in his third run of the game, and the Chicago Cubs overcame a five-run deficit to be the St. Louis Cardinals...

JUNE 26, 2022 • Associated Press

Starting Sunday Mills will start Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Impact All five of Mills' outings in the big leagues this year have come out of the bullpen, but he'll make his first start of the campaign. The right-hander last pitched Monday in long relief and surrendered five runs over 4.1 innings, so he's fairly well stretched out. He's given up 14 earned runs on 21 hits with a 9:2 K:BB across 14.2 frames this season, so Sunday's outing may only be a spot start.

JUNE 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Cardinals and Cubs meet to decide series winner

The St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs play on Sunday with the winner claiming the three-game series

JUNE 26, 2022 • Associated Press

Herrera's 8th inning sac fly helps Cardinals beat Cubs 5-3

Iván Herrera hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the eighth inning for his first career RBI and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 5-3

JUNE 25, 2022 • Associated Press

Gets pounded Monday Mills allowed five runs on eight hits across 4.1 innings of relief during Monday's loss to the Pirates. He had no walks and struck out two.

Impact Chicago starter Caleb Kilian allowed seven runs (five earned) across 2.1 innings to take the loss, but Mills didn't fare much better. The veteran righty now has an unsightly 8.59 ERA this season, and he won't have much fantasy value as long as he's out of the rotation and pitching poorly. Mills started 20 games for the Cubs in 2021 but all five of his appearances so far this year have come in relief.

JUNE 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Carpenter hammers Cubs; 2 HRs, 7 RBIs in Yanks' 18-4 rout

Matt Carpenter homered twice and tied his career high with seven RBIs, powering the New York Yankees to complete a weekend sweep of the Chicago Cubs with a 18-4 rout for their 11th...

JUNE 12, 2022 • Associated Press

Takes first loss Friday Mills (0-1) allowed the winning run in the bottom of the 13th inning Friday to take the loss against the Yankees. He retired two batters and also allowed a hit and an intentional w...

Impact With a runner starting the inning on second base, Mills got off to a strong start with two quick outs. The Cubs then decided to intentionally walk Aaron Hicks, but Jose Trevino delivered the winning run on a sharp single to left field. This was just the second appearance of the season for Mills, who was sidelined with a back strain in April. The righty could start games at some point, as he made 31 starts for the Cubs over the past two years, but so far he's worked as a reliever.

JUNE 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Trevino ends stalemate, red-hot Yankees edge Cubs 2-1 in 13

Pinch-hitter Jose Trevino finally broke a stalemate in the 13th inning with a game-winning single that gave the New York Yankees a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs

JUNE 11, 2022 • Associated Press

Five innings in relief Mills allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out six in five innings of a 9-3 loss Tuesday in Baltimore. He did not factor into the decision.

Impact Mills entered the game in the fourth inning with the Cubs trailing 7-1 and pitched well in his first appearance of the season. The veteran gave up solo homers in the fifth and sixth inning but otherwise was effective. He will likely appear in relief for the time being but is a likely choice to move to the rotation should there be an injury or a demotion.

JUNE 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Reinstated Tuesday Mills (back) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Impact Mills recently made four rehab starts and posted a 4.97 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 12.2 innings. He's served mainly as a starter for the Cubs over the last two seasons but will pitch out of the bullpen after being activated from the IL. However, the right-hander will be a top candidate to serve as a spot starter or enter the rotation at some point if needed.

JUNE 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Orioles host the Cubs in first of 2-game series

The Baltimore Orioles host the Chicago Cubs to begin a two-game series

JUNE 7, 2022 • Associated Press

Chicago Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday

The Chicago Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday

JUNE 5, 2022 • Associated Press

Chicago Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday

The Chicago Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday

JUNE 4, 2022 • Associated Press

Schwindel, Contreras and Happ homer as Cubs top Cards 7-5

Frank Schwindel launched a long solo homer and doubled among his three hits and the Chicago Cubs topped the St. Louis Cardinals 7-5 for their third straight victory

JUNE 3, 2022 • Associated Press