The Indians bullpen issues appear to have gone from bad to worse, with the club announcing Saturday that lefty relief ace Andrew Miller would be placed on the 10-day disabled list for the second time this season.
Miller previously missed just over two weeks with a left hamstring strain, but this time he has been sidelined by right knee inflammation. It's the same issue that sent him to the DL two separate times last season.
Manager Terry Francona says Miller's knee has been a recurring issue "the entire time" this year, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. There is no timetable for the 33-year-old's return.
Miller, a steady rock in the Tribe bullpen since being acquired at the 2016 trade deadline, did not allow a run over his first 12 appearances in 2018 before his first DL trip. He returned on May 11, but has never looked right, giving up seven runs in his last six outings (including three in Friday night's loss to the Houston Astros).
The recent struggles have sent Miller's season ERA to 4.40, the highest it's been in five years.
The inconsistency of Miller is perhaps the greatest of several glaring issues with the Indians' pen: After boasting the best relief staff in baseball in 2017 (2.89 ERA), the team has plummeted to dead last (6.23) so far this year. Despite clinging to first place in a weak American League Central Division, the Tribe's record sits at just 24-25, although that matches their mark at the same point last season.
Right-hander Evan Marshall has been recalled from AAA Columbus to replace Miller on the big league roster. The 28-year-old made four appearances in Cleveland earlier this month, giving up two runs 2 2/3 innings. The loss of Miller also leaves Tyler Olson as the only lefty in the Indians' pitching staff.
The Tribe also made another bullpen-shuffling move Saturday, designating veteran righty Oliver Drake for assignment while calling up Ben Taylor from the minors.
