Indians reliever Andrew Miller threw off the mound Wednesday at Progressive Field
Ravens Lamar Jackson Jersey , a major stride in his recovery from knee inflammation.
”Really well,” manager Terry Francona said describing Miller’s workout, which was closely observed by pitching coach Carl Willis. ”I think every time he
throws, he takes a step in the right direction.”
Miller has been on the disabled list since May 26, and the left-hander’s absence has had a detrimental effect on Cleveland’s bullpen, which entered
Wednesday’s series finale against Cincinnati with the AL’s highest ERA.
On Tuesday, Indians closer Cody Allen and Dan Otero couldn’t protect a 4-0 lead as the Reds rallied for a 7-4 win.
Miller has been throwing off a bullpen mound, but the Indians moved his workout onto the ballpark’s main mound so the team could better use monitoring
equipment to track his mechanics, velocity and location.
Francona said the next step for Miller before he returns to the Indians – and that won’t be until after the All-Star break – is to pitch to hitters and it’s
possible he could do that as early as this weekend against players from Double-A
Akron.
At this point, the most important thing is for Miller to pitch in a game.
”It’s been a while now
Customized New York Jets Jerseys ,” Francona said. ”He needs to pitch. I think for his own well-being. Not coming in with bases loaded. We rely on him so much. We’re
fortunate that it’s July and we have time to let him get on a roll. Because
we’ve all seen what he can do when he gets on a roll. We’ve just got to do it
right. And up to this point we have. I think we’re going to get rewarded for it
at some point because he’s going to help us a ton.”
Miller nearly carried the Indians to a World Series title in 2016. The club is hoping a healthy Miller can be just as valuable in the postseason again.
While he’s been out, Cleveland’s relievers have struggled as a whole. But Francona hopes the other pitchers – and Miller – will benefit from his time
away.
”Last night was a bad night and I mean we gave up a four-run lead, it hurts on a number of fronts, especially the way it ended,” he said. ”I think they’re
OK. I think they know he’s coming and it will certainly help us. In the
meantime, I think way back when this first happened, I remember saying I think
in the long run it will make guys better and I believe that.
”I think we’ll be better for it. Our record might not be, but when we get fully healthy we can be a better team.”
As the Indians wait for Miller, their bullpen got one piece back as Tyler Olson was activated from the 10-day disabled list after being sidelined with a
strained back muscle. To open a roster spot, the club designated veteran
left-hander Marc Rzepczynski for assignment.
Olson gives Francona a dependable option against lefties.
19. DALLAS COWBOYS (9-7)
LAST SEASON: Cowboys slid from NFC-best 13 wins to out of playoffs for several reasons
Authentic Customized Browns Jerseys , some likely to be addressed in draft. QB Dak Prescott couldn't match numbers from NFL Offensive Rookie of Year season
in 2016. Offensive line was inconsistent because of injuries, and left guard is
need with Jonathan Cooper leaving in free agency. Star WR Dez Bryant had third
straight subpar season since signing $70 million contract and was released to
avoid big salaries and cap hits in final two years. Team didn't get many big
plays from receivers. Because Prescott and OL weren't as good, Cowboys couldn't
overcome star RB Ezekiel Elliott's six-game suspension for domestic violence
allegations. Cowboys were playing their best when 2016 NFL rushing leader's
legal options ran out eight games into season. Dallas lost first three without
him, couldn't recover to make postseason. Defense was again solid but lacking
dynamic playmakers beyond DE DeMarcus Lawrence, second in NFL with 14 1/2
sacks.
THEY NEED: WR, LB, S, OL, DT, TE
THEY DON'T NEED: RB
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POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: LB Rashaan Evans, Alabama; G Will Hernandez, UTEP; S Derwin James, Florida State; T Kolton Miller, UCLA; WR D.J. Moore, Maryland; WR
Calvin Ridley, Alabama; WR Courtland Sutton, SMU; DT Vita Vea, Washington.
OUTLOOK: If Cowboys don't go WR in first round
Youth Martavis Bryant Jersey , they will be counting on free agent Allen Hurns to replace Bryant as No. 1 receiver. Hurns flashed potential in four years
at Jacksonville, but never big numbers. With Sean Lee's history of injuries and
lingering uncertainty over Jaylon Smith's recovery from bad college knee injury,
LB remains priority. Cowboys let steady, versatile Anthony Hitchens go in free
agency. Pro Bowl LT Tyron Smith's injury issues exposed lack of depth on OL, so
fourth first-rounder in eight years wouldn't be shock. Could be tackle or guard
because Cowboys might consider moving La'el Collins back to LG from RT. If
Prescott and Elliott find rookie form again, outlook brightens considerably with
right help in draft. If not and Cowboys miss playoffs, franchise could end up in
transition with firing of coach Jason Garrett and cloudy future for Prescott two
years after Dallas turned to him by releasing Tony Romo, who retired.
.
