Miller back after long stint on DL

CLEVELAND — Andrew Miller has watched every game for two months. He’s now ready to help the Indians.

Miller was activated Friday after being out because of inflammation in his right knee. The left-hander, who was on the 60-day disabled list, has been sidelined since May 26. Miller also missed time this season with a strained left hamstring.

The Indians hold a comfortable lead in the American League Central, but the team has much bigger plans than just reaching the postseason and needs Miller to be a dominant force again.

“Ideally, we have a lot more business to take care of,” he said before Friday’s game against the Angels. “You want to be sharp at the end of the year because this team has very high aspirations.”

Miller, a key part of the Indians bullpen since being acquired in 2016, is 1-3 with one save and a 4.40 ERA in 14 appearances. He pitched 10 scoreless innings to begin the season but was on the DL from April 26 to May 11 with the hamstring injury and struggled after returning.

“I don’t want to miss any time, but the team has done pretty well and it’s important for me to get back and pitch the way I’m capable of,” Miller said. “I’ve pitched when I’m not 100 percent, and it was getting pretty hard. So we wanted to make sure I came back strong and ready to go.”

The Indians bullpen is 14th in the AL with a 4.98 ERA, but relievers Brad Hand and Adam Cimber were acquired from the Padres during the All-Star break. Miller’s return will give manager Terry Francona another option along with Cody Allen.

“Just having Andrew back is exciting,” Francona said. “We know it might not be midseason form yet, but he’ll get there.”