Andrew Miller Expects No Foot Follies
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| (USATSI) |
Contributing Writer
It was not a pretty sight when Andrew Miller staggered off the mound to back up home plate against the Angles last season.
He was on the ground, grimacing, and obviously in pain.
A broken bone in his left foot was the verdict and the end of his season.
That magical season.
He took it well, never left the team for the rest of the season, and was helping motivate his teammates from the dugout down the stretch with a boot on his left foot. He missed only the middle three game stretch in Saint Louis to be there for the birth of his first child, a boy.
Ian Browne from MLB.com spoke with him this week and asked him about the feeling he had watching this unfold and how his foot was progressing through rehab.
Would he be ready for next year in time?
"I'm good," said Miller. "I'm doing physical therapy three times a week. I'm running, I'm doing agility, I'm cutting. Everything has gone really well. I'm not really concerned about my foot right now."
At 28 years old he is coming into his prime and had a terrific season up to the injury for the Red Sox coming out of the bullpen over 37 games, holding opponents to a .217 average, had 48 strikeouts over 30 2/3 innings, and was one of the most dominant lefty relievers in the game.
He has found his place in the Red Sox bullpen.
"I felt like it was getting better and better over the last two years and I've actually been pretty consistent," Miller said. "I can still certainly get better, but I feel like I'm at a point in my career where things have been going in that direction and I'll just try to keep it going. I've been around some pretty interesting years with the Red Sox and for me personally, it's all been really good."
When asked if he was on track for showing up fit at ready at Spring Training, he sounded confident.
"I've played catch. I certainly haven't gotten off a mound or anything yet," said Miller. "Like I said, I don't think my throwing program is going to be that affected by the foot stuff. I should be ready. I shouldn't be behind [in Spring Training]. And if at all, it will be very minimal. I'll start the season without a problem."
He will be picking up a World Series ring in April for his efforts prior to the injury, but there remains a dream to pitch in the postseason.
We are all hoping you will get that chance next year Mr. Miller, we are hoping.
Post a comment or via twitter @ericschabell with your thoughts.
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