CLEVELAND _ Indians reliever Andrew Miller was sent to New York to seek a second opinion as the club tries to gather information regarding his ongoing knee issue.
Miller was placed on the 10-day disabled list on May 26 with inflammation in his right knee, the same knee that forced his placement on the DL late last season.
Indians manager Terry Francona indicated a few days ago that Miller might never have completely gotten over the original injury and was instead pitching through it.
Miller started this season strong but then went on the 10-day disabled list in late April with a strained hamstring. When he returned, he wasn't nearly the same pitcher he was prior going on the DL. He also dealt with a back issue this season.
Miller on Tuesday met with Dr. David Altchek in New York.
The original diagnosis was confirmed, and Miller was cleared for a throwing program with a gradual progression up to pitching off a mound. Though, for now, no timetable has been established for his return.
Indians president of operations Chris Antonetti said on Tuesday this is something the club often does for any injury of consequence, indicating it wasn't something that necessarily flared up recently.
If it's something Miller has been dealing with for some time, as well as an injury that might have played a role in his strained hamstring, the Indians would like to gather more information before determining a plan.
"I think a lot of this is to give guys peace of mind," Francona 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."
