No rushing Miller’s return to mound

All-Star reliever Andrew Miller may need more time to recover from knee tendinitis.

And for now, that’s fine with the Indians.

Miller was placed on the 10-day disabled list last week with soreness in his right knee that had bothered him for weeks. The elite, late-inning left-hander was having control issues and the Indians decided to shut him down before it worsened.

Miller has been undergoing daily treatment and manager Terry Francona said Tuesday that Miller could be out longer than expected. He’s eligible to be activated Saturday, when the Indians are in Tampa.

“He may not be able to come off the day that he’s eligible, but by all accounts he’s really doing well and I don’t think it will be too long after that,” Francona said. “We’ll do the right thing and hopefully get him back.

“He’s able to throw now, so he’ll be fine.”

Other than ace Corey Kluber, Miller is the most important pitcher on the Indians staff.

He joined the club at the trade deadline in July 2016 and was instrumental in the Indians winning their first pennant since 1997. Miller was dominant in the postseason, going 2-0 with a 1.40 ERA and striking out 30 in 19 innings.

“It’s hard not having him out there when you’re used to having him out there,” Francona said. “But when it’s the right thing to do, I think you do it, not just when it’s convenient.”

Miller is 4-3 with a 1.67 ERA in 46 games. He has 15 walks in 54 innings after issuing just nine in 74 innings in 2016.

Francona was asked how soon he’ll pitch the indispensable Miller once he’s activated.

“Five minutes after he’s off the disabled list,” Francona cracked.