Miller’s DL stint shaking up bullpen

INDIANS

With All-Star reliever Andrew Miller sidelined for at least a week, Indians manager Terry Francona is remodeling his bullpen.

Miller was placed on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday with right knee tendinitis. Francona said an MRI confirmed the original diagnosis and that the left-hander has been bothered by the soreness “for months.”

The team is discussing more aggressive treatments for Miller, who has struggled with his control in recent weeks. Francona said there was a direct link between Miller’s injury and the wildness.

“It’s his landing leg — he doesn’t have anything to firm up against,” Francona said Thursday before the Indians opened a four-game series against the Yankees. “And he’s been yanking balls. He’s hit guys in the leg with sliders.

“I don’t think you can just put a guy on the disabled list when it’s convenient. You (have to) do it when it’s right, and this will do him a lot of good.”

Miller’s absence will force Francona to use his bullpen differently late in games. Typically, Miller enters to face dan- gerous hitters in the seventh and eighth innings before Francona turns to closer Cody Allen. Miller also closed earlier this season.

For the time being, starter Mike Clevinger will pitch out of the bullpen, giving Francona an extra arm until Miller’s ready. Another option is side-armer Joe Smith, who was acquired in a trade with the Blue Jays on Monday.

Francona said he may adjust the way he handles late-game situations while Miller is unavailable.

“We’ll piece it together a little bit more than we have before,” Francona said.