CLEVELAND _ The Indians have been pleased with Andrew Miller's progress as he rehabs from right knee inflammation, but he won't be pushed much before the All-Star break, which begins July 16.
Miller was placed on the 10-day disabled list May 26, and the Indians have been cautious with their valuable lefty ever since.
"I don't even think we'd try (to have him return before the All-Star break)," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "To try to do this right, I think we need to let him throw his bullpens ... And just because of the All-Star break, we might even wait until it's over. We'll see."
Miller hit the disabled list on April 26 with a strained left hamstring and returned May 11, but he wasn't his normal self. He was hit hard for seven earned runs on seven hits in 41/3 innings before again being placed on the disabled list, this time with a knee injury that might never have fully healed from last season.
With the American League Central Division well in hand and a relief pitcher's most valuable contributions able to come in October, the goal is to be cautious, mainly wanting to ensure that Miller is ready to go and has had enough time to regain his form by the time the postseason rolls around.
"The good news is that he really is making strides," Francona said. "My goodness, if we can get him back in time to get him on a roll, that's the biggest goal."
