NewsMiller makes Minor League rehab start
Lefty tosses four innings for Class A Jupiter on Wednesday
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com
05/06/09 7:50 PM ET
MIAMI -- For the Marlins to have the success the team expects, they need to get their rotation healthy and lined up. A key part of the starting five is Andrew Miller.On Wednesday morning, the 23-year-old left-hander took a step toward getting back into the mix. Making a rehab start for Class A Jupiter, Miller threw four innings for the Hammerheads against Charlotte.
It was his first time facing hitters since he went on the disabled list with a right oblique strain on April 20.
Miller threw 60 pitches, gave up one run on three hits with a walk and five strikeouts.
Next up for Miller is a second rehab start for Double-A Jacksonville on Monday against Mississippi. The aim is to get Miller's pitch count up to 80-85 pitches.
If all goes well on May 11, Miller could be reinstated off the disabled list and placed in the rotation on May 16 when the Marlins play host to the Dodgers at Dolphin Stadium.
"We'll see where we are at," manager Fredi Gonzalez said.
Miller has appeared in four games with two starts for the Marlins, and he's 0-1 with a 6.94 ERA. Due to a couple of early off-days in the beginning of the season, the left-hander opened in the bullpen, before sliding into the rotation.
Graham Taylor was promoted from Double-A Jacksonville to fill Miller's rotation spot.
The Marlins are thin on starting pitching depth at the Minor League level.
Rick VandenHurk, who is on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation, threw a bullpen session on Wednesday at Dolphin Stadium. He also had a mound session on Monday.
VandenHurk says he has a bone bruise on his elbow, and it was irritating the muscle in his throwing arm. Wednesday was his sixth bullpen session, and he is close to facing batters.
"I've been throwing every day and it feels good," VandenHurk said.
The right-hander still is a ways away from being ready to be reinstated.
Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
