Indians’ bullpen given big lift with left-hander Miller off DL

Andrew Miller’s return to the bullpen is a huge relief for the Cleveland Indians.

Miller was activated from the 10-day disabled list Friday after the Indians struggled mightily without the star left-hander, who was sidelined since April 26 because of a left hamstring strain.

Cleveland’s relievers complied a 9.50 ERA in 36 innings as the Indians went 5-9 without Miller. Five of the losses came after the Indians were leading or tied in the eighth inning or later.

Miller, 32, has pitched 10 scoreless innings and struck out 17 in 11 appearances this season. In a move corresponding to his activation, left-handed reliever Tyler Olson was placed on paternity leave.

Nationals: Matt Wieters (left hamstring strain) was placed on the 10-day disabled list, fellow catcher Spencer Kieboom’s contract was purchased from Triple-a Syracuse, and outfielder Adam Eaton (arthroscopicleft ankle surgery) was transferred to the 60-day DL.

Blue Jays: Marcus Stroman (right shoulder fatigue) was placed on the 10-day disabled list, fellow right-handers Joe Biagini and Sam Gaviglio were recalled from Buffalo, and left-handed reliever Tim Mayza was optioned to the Triple-a club.

Mets: Left-hander Jason Vargas, who is 0-3 with a 13.86 ERA since returning from surgery on his right hand, will have his next turn in the rotation skipped.

Rangers: Second baseman Rougned Odor (left hamstring strain) was activated from the disabled list, and corner infielder/outfielder Renato Nunez was designated for assignment.

Cardinals: Tyler Lyons (back strain) was placed on the 10-day disabled list, and fellow left-handed reliever Brett Cecil (left shoulder inflammation) was activated from the DL.

Orioles: Right-hander Chris Tillman (lower back strain) was placed on the 10-day disabled list, and right-handed reliever Jimmy Yacabonis was recalled from Triple-a Norfolk.

Brewers: Right-hander Brandon Woodruff was recalled from Colorado Springs, and outfielder Brett Phillips was optioned to the Triple-a club.

Athletics: Right-hander Kendall Graveman was recalled from Triple-a Nashville, and outfielder Stephen Piscotty was placed on bereavement leave.

Review-journal wire services