Francona: 'Our hearts are in our throats' watching Miller pitch in WBC

It might not be Miller time quite yet, and manager Terry Francona acknowledges that.

Cleveland Indians left-hander Andrew Miller, who is currently representing the United States in the World Baseball Classic, surrendered a three-run blast to the Dominican Republic's Nelson Cruz on Saturday to cap the team's epic comeback against the Americans.

Miller has earned a reputation as one of, if not the best, relievers in all of baseball, so it was surprising to see the southpaw give up such a monumental home run. His bench boss in Cleveland admitted the team supports Miller's participation in the tournament, but worries about his go-to reliever's health and preparation.

"With Andrew that's probably why all the things we said along the way is how we felt," Francona said, according to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com. "You're seeing a guy out there who is pitching in front of a big crowd and he's trying to rip off sliders. When we said our hearts are in our throats, we kind of meant it."

While spring training stats should never be taken seriously, Miller left for the WBC sporting a 6.75 ERA in four appearances. Including Cruz's home run on Saturday, it would be the second big fly Miller's allowed before the regular season after allowing only three in 26 games with the Indians in 2016.

"All the things we said about being worried is just stating fact," Francona said.

"If he wasn't healthy, he wouldn't have been there. He's not ready to be Miller. That's all it is. It's not baseball's fault. It's not USA baseball's fault. This is the time of year they have this thing and sometimes that's why you get because guys aren't ready to be who they are. That's why you worry because they try to be and they're not ready."

The United States (1-1) will look to secure a place in the second round on Sunday with a win against Canada.