CLEveland – Andrew Miller won't help the Indians until after the All-Star break.
The late-inning reliever, who pushed Cleveland through the postseason in 2016, has made progress with his right knee injury but will not be activated until later this month. Miller has been sidelined with inflammation in his knee since May 26, and his comeback recently stalled.
But he threw 31 pitches off a mound Thursday, and the Indians were excited and encouraged by his progress. Pitching coach Carl Willis told manager Terry Francona that Miller looked better.
"Went well," Francona said Friday before the Indians opened a three-game series with Oakland. "By Carl's account, you can really tell the difference that he's getting a little more sure of himself. The good news is that he really is making strides. My goodness, if we can get him back in time to get him on a roll, that's the biggest goal."
Miller opened this season with 10 scoreless innings before hurting his left hamstring and going on the DL.
Miller dominated in the 2016 postseason — he struck out 30 in 19⅓ innings — and helped the Indians get to their first World Series since 1997.
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