Miller can start throwing as he battles back from knee injury
Andrew Miller can start a throwing program as the Indians’ All-star reliever battles inflammation in his right knee.
Miller, who is on the disabled list for the third time in the past year because of soreness in his knee, visited a specialist in New York on Tuesday. The club said Dr. David Altchek confirmed a previous diagnosis and the lefthander can “begin a gradual progression back to mound activity.”
While there is no timetable for Miller to return, the fact that he doesn’t need surgery and can resume throwing is great news for the Indians.
Other than Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber, Miller is the most important pitcher on the club’s staff, and if the Indians are going to make a run at a World Series title they’ll need the 33-year-old healthy.
Miller was vital to the Indians winning the 2016 pennant as manager Terry Francona rode him hard during the postseason.
On Tuesday, Indians team president
Chris Antonetti said surgery was not being discussed for Miller, who is only signed through this season.
One of baseball’s most dominant late-inning relievers, Miller hasn’t been effective since coming off the DL on May 11. He opened the season with 10 scoreless innings before hurting his left hamstring.
He is 1-3 with a 4.40 ERA in 17 appearances. Francona said getting a second opinion was important for the team and Miller.
“I think a lot of this is to give guys peace of mind,” he said. “Not that it doesn’t hurt. We know what’s there, but even he said, ‘If I know this is what it is and I have to deal with it, I can.’ So, there’s multiple reasons why you do it. But one is also for peace of mind, sure.”
Cleveland’s bullpen has also had major issues, which could force the club to make moves before the July 31 trading deadline.
Mets: New York hired two new public address announcers for Citi Field, including the first woman to hold the job and a grandson of late ABC broadcaster Howard Cosell.
Marysol Castro will start work at Thursday night’s homestand opener against the Chicago Cubs, and Colin Cosell will debut on Saturday.
Also, the Mets listed starting pitcher Steven Matz as day to day, hopeful he will not miss a turn in the rotation with a mild strain in his middle left finger. Manager Mickey Callaway said Matz isn’t expected to go on the disabled list.
Cubs: Chicago right-hander Yu Darvish has inflammation in his right triceps but no structural damage, and could start a throwing program as soon as the weekend.
Darvish, signed to a $126 million, sixyear contract in February as a free agent, underwent an MRI on Tuesday in Chicago.
“Doesn’t sound awful,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “He’ll get on his program soon, then we’ll work it from there. It’s good news on his side.”
Phillies: Philadelphia outfielder Rhys Hoskins is likely headed to the DL after a further examination Wednesday revealed he has a fractured jaw.