Filling injured Miller’s role not easy

CLEVELAND — When reliever Andrew Miller left Wednesday night’s game clutching his left hamstring, so too did the security blanket the Indians normally enjoy late in any tight game.

This absence is expected to be short-lived.

Miller was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a lowergrade hamstring strain. He anticipates being ready once the 10 days are up, or close to it. Fewer than two weeks without Miller doesn’t stand as a major concern for the Indians, who still are clear favorites in the American League Central.

But the first game with him on the DL exposed the hole on the roster.

The Indians and Mariners entered the eighth inning Thursday night tied 4-4. With the heart of the Mariners’ order due up, Miller normally would have been summoned. With him out, the Mariners were able to score a run and eventually pin a defeat on the Indians.

There isn’t much cause to overly dissect one outing, but it does offer a snapshot of what life could be like without Miller after the 2018 season, when he could sign a lucrative deal elsewhere as an impending free agent.

Closer Cody Allen is also eligible for free agency, and the odds of the Indians being able to keep both aren’t high. If either finds a new home in 2019, it would leave a massive hole to fill in the bullpen.

The Indians stand a good chance of remaining a World Series contender through at least 2020, but this illustrates why there is a sense of urgency attached to this season.

Miller isn’t expected to be out for long this time, but the Indians’ way of life late in games nevertheless is on the clock.