MIAMI -- Yankees left-hander Andrew Miller, who fractured a bone in his non-throwing hand on Wednesday, was cleared to resume baseball activities on Friday by Miami-based orthopedic hand surgeon Dr. Patrick Owens. Miller could return to game action as soon as Saturday.
"We don't feel we're really at risk to do anything worse to it," Miller said Friday afternoon. "We're expecting that it might be something that's a little bit of a nuisance for a little while, but all things considered, not too bad."
Miller tested his hand by playing catch during batting practice prior to the Yankees exhibition with the Marlins at Marlins Park. Initially, he was scheduled to pitch against the Marlins on Saturday afternoon. Manager Joe Girardi said the team will wait and see before deciding.
From a protection standpoint, Miller noted the Yankees are in contact with Major League Baseball to determine what modifications can be made to his glove.
"We're trying to figure out what the limits are," Miller said. "Obviously, there are concerns with people putting foreign substances, I guess is the big term that seems to pop in the rule book. But that's not a concern. I think it's just a matter of not turning into a circus or running the risk that something being deemed illegal or something like that because we didn't ask beforehand, or whatnot."
"Worst-case scenario he'll go barehand in glove," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "Best-case scenario he'll be able to help support it, if possible."
Miller was struck by a line drive on Wednesday against the Braves. A CT scan revealed a chip fracture in his right wrist.
With the Yankees playing Friday and Saturday in Miami, Miller visited Owens.
"I'm just trying to figure out what I may or may not be able to wear," Miller said. "The doctor was great this morning. He said everything we'd hope to hear -- that it's a break, but it's a bone that's not that important. It's going to take a little time to heal."
Whenever he is back on the mound, Miller is confident he will be able to field his position.
"If the ball were to come to me, I'd like to think I could make a play," he said.
"I think I'm decent at fielding my position, I think the amount of time that we're out there, it just doesn't happen very often," Miller said. "It's my right hand. Of all my limbs, it's the best one to have to deal with. To have the most insignificant bone in my right arm have the one that is injured, I think it's the best thing about it."