ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. - The AL Central-leading Cleveland Indians got star reliever Andrew Miller back Monday and plan to put former AL MVP third baseman Josh Donaldson in the starting lineup Tuesday.
Miller has been out since late August because of a left shoulder injury. Miller has a 3.38 ERA in 24 innings, though he pitched better in August before his shoulder flared up.
"He's raring to go, so that's exciting," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "He doesn't have a minor league game under his belt, so he might not command [at first]. He might, but if he doesn't, we have 19 games" left in the regular season.
Donaldson, acquired from Toronto on Aug. 31, batted .234 with five home runs and 16 RBI this season for the Blue Jays. He hasn't played in the majors since May 28 because of a left calf strain. He also was out from April 11-May 2 because of a shoulder problem.
Donaldson went 3-for-12 with two homers and six RBI in four games with Triple-A Columbus.
"I feel great," Donaldson said. "I passed everything that I wanted to accomplish and what they wanted me to accomplish. My expectations are go out there and help this team win."
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