Pat Murphy's simple description of Brewers' Shelby Miller injury is heartbreaking

The Brewers’ run of bad luck with trade deadline bullpen additions seems to be continuing in 2025, despite some early signs of promise.

Over the past five seasons, the Brewers have brought in several relievers for the stretch run, including Daniel Norris, John Curtiss, Trevor Rosenthal, Taylor Rogers, Matt Bush, Andrew Chafin, Nick Mears, and now Shelby Miller. Of that group, Mears has panned out the most, posting a solid 3.42 ERA this season.

However, it was Miller who headlined Milwaukee’s bullpen additions in 2025, viewed as a key late-season reinforcement despite being on the IL with a forearm strain at the time he was acquired. Unfortunately for him, his 2025, and potentially 2026 season, is now in jeopardy as he injured his elbow on Labor Day against the Phillies.

Shelby Miller 'felt a pop' in his elbow during his last Brewers appearance

Feeling a pop after delivering a pitch is every pitcher’s worst fear, and unfortunately for Miller, that’s now his reality. Brewers manager Pat Murphy revealed the concerning detail after the game to Brewers reporters, including Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, noting that Miller will undergo further testing to determine the extent of the issue.

Should Miller's injury be as serious as it sounds, he'll end his 2025 season with an impressive 2.74 ERA and 10 saves. Excluding Monday's outing, for which he was unable to finish, eight out of his 10 appearances with Milwaukee were scoreless. Notably, he will be a free agent at season's end.

This situation is shaping up to be a tough blow for the Brewers, who effectively paid around $2 million in order to acquire Shelby Miller while also bringing Jordan Montgomery aboard, for what may end up being less than a month of Miller’s time. To make room for deadline acquisitions, Milwaukee also had to designate Bryan Hudson and Elvis Peguero for assignment, both of whom were quickly claimed by the White Sox and are no longer with the organization.

It’s a frustrating outcome all around, but above all, it's heartbreaking for Miller, who at age 34, will have to recover from this injury and hope to continue his career afterwards.