CLEVELAND -- The way the Indians view things, reliever Andrew Miller is far too important to their postseason chances to be rushed back from his current stint on the disabled list. If a few extra days of rest and recovery are required, expect Cleveland to take the conservative approach.
"He may not be able to come off the day that he's eligible," Indians manager Terry Francona said on Tuesday. "By all accounts, he's really doing well and I don't think it will be too long after that. But, we've got to let him get back. There's no reason to have him miss 10 days and then cut it short by two or three.
"We'll do the right thing and hopefully we'll get him back [soon]. He's able to throw now, so he'll be fine."
Miller landed on the 10-day DL due to right knee soreness on Wednesday in Boston, and he will be eligible to be activated this Saturday during Cleveland's road series against the Rays. As Francona hinted, however, that step may not come until later during the Indians' 11-game road swing through St. Petersburg, Boston, Minneapolis and Kansas City.
After landing on the DL, Miller indicated that his right knee had been bothering him for roughly three or four weeks, explaining some of the command woes in his recent outings. That said, Miller is still in the midst of an elite season, posting a 1.67 ERA with 78 strikeouts, 15 walks and a .141 opponents' average in 46 appearances (54 innings).
Asked when Miller will get back on a mound, Francona quipped: "Five minutes after he's off the disabled list."
Francona speaks highly of Daulton
During Francona's first managerial stint in 1997 with the Phillies, he had then-veteran Darren Daulton on his roster. Daulton passed away on Sunday at the age of 55, and the Indians' manager said he has nothing but fond memories of the former Major Leaguer.
"He was such a special guy," Francona said. "He was really good to me -- really good -- and especially in your first year as a manager. I never have forgotten that."

Chisenhall on the mend
Francona noted that right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (10-day DL, right calf) has been "turning a corner" in his rehab program. Due to the recent strides made by Chisenahll, Francona said the medical staff should be able to map out Chisenhall's upcoming Minor League rehab schedule within the next few days.