Cleveland Indians: Andrew Miller sent to the DL, panic ensues

Hold on to something folks, the ride is about to get a little bumpy as the Cleveland Indians send Andrew Miller to the disabled list.

How do you send Cleveland Indians fans into a frenzy? Give them a huge injury to endure with the playoffs right around the corner. The Indians sent Andrew Miller to the 10-day DL with a left shoulder external impingement. Now would be the time for people in Cleveland to offer up their shoulders.

Miller has now found himself on the DL three times this season, and each time doom and gloom ensues. Now the team does have Brad Hand at its disposal this time around, but Miller is still a vital part of the Indians bullpen.

Now, it could be a precautionary measure with a month to spare before the postseason begins. We don’t have much information, this is the same thing that put A’s pitcher Sean Manaea on the DL before it was discovered he had a rotator cuff injury. Hopefully the injury isn’t as brutal for Andrew Miller’s sake.

Miller had a 1.86 ERA since returning from his last DL stint as he was an absolute gem in the month of August. The trio of Miller, Cody Allen, and Brad Hand provides a formidable challenge for any opponent. Without Miller, lefty Oliver Perez will likely have an increased workload.

With the move, Tyler Olson was called up from Triple-A Columbus. Olson hasn’t been anything like his 2017 self as he has a 6.75 ERA on the year. He’ll likely be used in early bullpen work.

Depending on how long this injury affects Miller, it could change the way the Indians approach the September call-ups, the waiver deadline, and putting together their playoff roster. Could we see the team add a reliever, or incorporate a younger player on their October roster?

There is a lot to digest with this injury and we’ll likely find out more about it as the week goes on. For now, don’t panic. You have permission to panic if we find out his season is over or if he won’t be back by the playoffs.