Report: Miller cleared to pitch by hand specialist
One day after stating his intent to pitch through a fractured right wrist, New York Yankees interim closer Andrew Miller reportedly received medical clearance.
Miller visited hand specialist Dr. Patrick Owens in Miami, and was given the go-ahead to pitch without surgery, according to Jack Curry of YES.
The left-hander was hit on the wrist of his non-pitching hand by a line drive Wednesday, and was immediately removed from the game. He was diagnosed with a chip fracture, though Dr. Owens said the bone should heal naturally, and Miller's pain tolerance will determine how well he can pitch.
"It's my right hand. I'm a left-handed pitcher," Miller told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com Thursday. "I don't think it should be a problem."
Miller's availability to start the season is more than welcome news for the Yankees. Closer Aroldis Chapman begins serving a 30-game suspension on Opening Day, and Miller will reprise the closer's role during Chapman's absence.
He posted a 2.04 ERA and 0.86 WHIP across 53 appearances last season, converting 36 saves.