Indians hope Miller makes them World Series contender

CLEVELAND - Serious about winning the World Series, the Indians batted .500 in making a pair of major trades on Sunday.

Call it an All-Star split doubleheader.

Going all in for October, the AL Central leader acquired All-Star left-handed reliever Andrew Miller from the New York Yankees for four minor leaguers, in a deal that was announced just before Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy blocked a trade to Cleveland.

Lucroy's decision would have been a huge blow to the Indians if not for the addition of Miller, who will help Cleveland manager Terry Francona shorten games and gives the Indians a legitimate shot at winning their first World Series title since 1948.

''It certainly should help us a lot,'' Francona said. ''I know when we go into New York next week, we don't have to face Andrew Miller, which will be really nice.''

So will his ability to mix and match Miller with right-hander Bryan Shaw in the late innings before handing the ball to closer Cody Allen.

The Indians sent four minor leaguers, including highly touted outfielder Clint Frazier, to New York for the 31-year-old Miller, who is expected to arrive in Cleveland on Sunday night and could be ready to join the bullpen when the club opens a four-game series against Minnesota.

Although they have one of the game's best starting staffs, the Indians' bullpen needed a proven lefty and there is none better than Miller, who possesses a nearly unhittable slider and brings a 1.39 ERA and postseason experience to Cleveland.

''We want to try to do what we can to get to the postseason and win a World Series,'' team president Chris Antonetti said. ''That's why we do what we do, and we felt that this team has done its part.''

After the Yankees dealt closer Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs, Miller knew he might be next and was not shocked by the deal. Miller spoke to Francona shortly after the trade was finalized and told him he would do whatever is needed.

''For me now, it's a chance to go to a team that's in the thick of it and has big plans for this year,'' said Miller, who is signed through 2018 at $9 million annually. ''I'm not going to change one bit, whatever they ask me to do, hopefully do it up to their standards. They've got a pretty darn good team. They've got some good pieces out in the bullpen. They've got a great lineup, rotation.''