CLEVELAND -- Indians relief ace Andrew Miller was confirmed to have inflammation in his right knee, the team announced after its 9-1 win against the White Sox on Wednesday.
Miller flew to New York on Tuesday, where he received a second opinion from Dr. David Altchek. Altchek confirmed the diagnosis and cleared Miller for a throwing program, which will begin a gradual progression back to mound activity.
Manager Terry Francona said pregame that even though the visit to Altchek was to just confirm the diagnosis, it gave everyone involved peace of mind.
Miller was taxed for three runs in 2/3 of an inning in the Tribe's 11-2 loss against the Astros on Friday. The 33-year-old lefty was placed on the 10-day disabled list the next day.
It's the second time this season Miller has been on the DL -- he was also sidelined from April 26-May 11 with a strained left hamstring. The Indians' bullpen compiled a 9.50 ERA in 36 innings without Miller in that span, while the Tribe went 5-9. Five of those losses came after the Indians were tied or led in the eighth inning or later.
The Indians are in the midst of a five-game winning streak, which started the day Miller was placed on the DL. No time frame has been established for Miller's return.