Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Red Sox have one of the best bullpens in baseball, but they clearly have a weakest link: Andrew Miller.
Miller was the sixth overall pick in the 2006 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers. However, his tenures in Detroit and later with the Florida Marlins were disappointing for the most park. In 2011, Miller brought his unfulfilled potential to Boston, where he showed signs that he could be an effective starting pitcher in spot starts. However, he was inconsistent and was demoted to the bullpen in 2012, where he had a respectable 3.35 ERA.
From the Red Sox point of view, Miller was a vital part of any chance they had at a rebound season in 2013. The 6-foot-7 lanky southpaw held lefties to a .149 average in 2012 with only ten walks all season. This year, he has faced nine left-handed hitters, and allowed five of them to reach base, including two walks.
Miller’s biggest problem has been control. He has given up six walks in just four innings of relief. His control issues had allowed the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians to close leads against the Red Sox.
However, it hadn’t cost the Red Sox a game until Sunday’s double-header against the Kansas City Royals. After loading the bases in a tied tenth inning game, Miller gave up the winning run when he walked Lorenzo Cain on just four pitches. His body language was indicative of the frustration he is having hitting spots.
Miller is the only left-handed option that manager John Farrell has out of the bullpen for the moment. When the Red Sox are up against heavy left-handed lineups, they will need Miller to return to last season’s form. If pitching coach Juan Nieves can help him work out the kinks, the difference could be three or four games in the standings.
Since the push for they playoffs should be as competitive as it has been in years past, every game will be critical if they hope to make the postseason for the first time since 2009.
Aidan Kearney also writes for his own blog aidanfromworcester.com. Follow him on Twitter @aidanfromworc
