Miller might rejoin Yankees before break

ANAHEIM -- Yankees left-hander Andrew Miller threw 20 pitches off a bullpen mound on Wednesday at Angel Stadium, and there is a chance that he could be activated from the disabled list before the All-Star break.

Miller has been on the DL since June 11 with a left flexor forearm muscle strain. The closer is scheduled to play long-toss on Friday and will take the mound again on Saturday at Yankee Stadium, inspiring optimism that he can reclaim his bullpen spot within the next 12 days.

"I would hope so, but we've got to make sure," Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. "It's not worth risking one time out before the break to take a chance, but if everything is on schedule and he's comfortable facing hitters, it's a possibility."

Miller, 30, was 0-1 with a 1.03 ERA in 26 appearances this season, recording 17 saves. In his absence, Dellin Betances has taken over closing duties, saving six contests.