CLEVELAND -- After the Indians placed All-Star reliever Andrew Miller on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday with reaggravated patellar tendinitis in his right knee, manager Terry Francona said that the team's medical staff wanted to be proactive by getting several opinions on the injury.
After multiple examinations, the Tribe took a much-needed sigh of relief Friday. The team announced before its game against the Royals that Miller was diagnosed with patellofemoral syndrome with associated patella tendinitis.
"I think [it's good news]," Miller said. "There were a lot people that we [sought] out and put their two cents in. I think we've got a good grasp on it. It takes a little bit of time, but we know what we are going after now."
The statement released by the Indians said that all of the doctors whom Miller met with are convinced that a conservative therapy program will help with the injury. Francona added that Miller received a lubricant injection in his injured knee.
"For all that he's been through, I think we're really optimistic," Francona said. "And I think the reason we are is because the medical people seem to be so optimistic. I think it showed that they're doing all the right things."
Miller will be shut down from throwing for five to seven days before resuming his throwing program. Once he returns to the program, the team will have a more definitive time frame for Miller's return.
"I think I want to get back when I'm ready because I know that's when I can help," Miller said. "I think with what I deal with, when I have the pain, it's difficult to compete at the point where I can help the team. I need to get it right. I think we have time where we will be able to get things to where we want them to be."
Miller was first placed on the DL for the injury on Aug. 2, but he returned to the Indians on Aug. 18. The left-hander pitched in two games in his brief return, but he left his latest appearance -- Monday against Boston -- after throwing only seven pitches.
In 48 appearances this season, Miller has posted an ERA of 1.65 with 79 strikeouts against 17 walks in 54 2/3 innings.
"Even though he had the setback the other day, he's way ahead of where he was before," Francona said. "With more time to strengthen the areas around it and everything, I think everybody feels like he's going to come back. We're certainly going to have to work him back, but that he can be that force like that, and the knee's not going to hold him back - boy, will that be nice."
Merritt recalled
With their roster depleted due to a number of injuries to key players, the Indians recalled left-hander Ryan Merritt from Triple-A Columbus to take the ball for Friday's series opener vs. the Royals. As a result of Merritt's promotion, the Tribe optioned right-handed reliever Shawn Armstrong to the same affiliate.

"He throws strikes," Francona said of Merritt. "There's something to be said for a guy that pounds the strike zone. You always have a chance. He may give up some hits. You don't know. But he's not going to walk the world. And he works quick, and he's not afraid."
Chisenhall progressing
Right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (strained right calf) rejoined the Indians on Friday after he and his wife welcomed their third child earlier this week. Francona said that Chisenhall will perform a series of baseball activities for the next two days, and he will play in a Minor League rehab game on Sunday.