Cleveland Indians: Andrew Miller begins throwing

A key to the Cleveland Indians playoff hopes may be one step closer to returning before the start of the American League Playoffs

The Cleveland Indians made a big trade to acquire Josh Donaldson before the waiver trade deadline and while he is working his way back and could be a major offensive weapon for the club in the playoffs, a big reliever and a weapon to use against the any of the playoff teams they may face may be getting closer to a return.

Lefty reliever Andrew Miller has begun throwing and threw his first bullpen session on Thursday. He will throw another session on Saturday and then the Cleveland Indians will decide on what to do from there.

"“He’s going to have to throw a few more times for sure,” Francona said. “Depending on how he feels, we’re going to give him the amount of reps that we think best prepares him.”"

Miller has been on the DL since August 29th and this is his third time hitting the DL this season.

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If the Cleveland Indians are going to advance in the American League playoffs, they are going to need a healthy Andrew Miller as a weapon out of the bullpen. Brad Hand has taken over as closer since Cody Allen has struggled. Adam Cimber, the other arm acquired in the Hand deal, has an ERA close to 5.00.

With Trevor Bauer down, in a short series, the bullpen may be counted on even more and they need to be at full strength. Miller is a multi-inning weapon in a short series as they displayed two years ago to a World Series Game seven.

The Cleveland Indians may have acquired an all-world third baseman, but their most important weapon in the playoffs may be Miller, who they have a month to get right. The American League playoffs are going to be a battle and the Cleveland Indians with a healthy Miller, may have as good a chance as any of them.