The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Miller nearing return from D.L.
Lean back, relax and breathe a sigh of relief:
It’s nearing Miller Time again for the Indians.
Andrew Miller, the left-handed reliever critical to the Indians’ chances of returning to the World Series and winning it this time, could be activated Sept. 14 for the game against the Royals, Manager Terry Francona said Sept. 12 before the Tribe hosted the Tigers.
“I’m feeling good,” Miller said. “It’s been a steady progression.”
Miller has been steadily increasing his practice regimen in recent days and passed another test before Francona met with the media. Miller aced it.
“Really good,” Francona said. “The next step is going to be Thursday. We need to work through whether it’s going to be in a real game or a (simulated) game. We just need time to get Andrew, Mickey (pitching coach Mickey Callaway), myself, the medical guys tomorrow and see how he bounces back.”
Miller has been on the disabled list with knee soreness since Aug. 22. He was first put on the DL on Aug. 2 with the same injury, activated Aug. 18 and then put back on the disabled list four days later
when the injury flared up.
As a lefty, Miller lands on his right foot when throwing a pitch. He said the pain he felt affected his delivery.
The Indians have been aggressive yet cautious in Miller’s rehab this time. The divisional playoffs begin Oct. 5. The Indians obviously cannot afford another setback.
“His volume of work has been much more this time,” Francona said. “His breaking ball is crisper.”
The game against the Tigers on Sept. 12 was No. 145 for the Indians, leaving 17 more in the regular season. That number will be down to 15 if Miller is activated on Sept. 14. He said he would like to pitch in five or six games before the playoffs start.
“I hope that’s the case,” Francona said. “That might be ambitious. It might not be. That would be great if he could do that because, for one, it helps us win, but you certainly have a better understanding of where you are and not wondering what you have and don’t have.”