Miller Wins Third Straight, But Knows There's Room For Improvement
BOSTON (CBS) – Boston Red Sox starter Andrew Miller won his third straight start Thursday night, but knows he will have to improve if he wants to keep his spot in the rotation when Boston finally gets some of their injured arms back.
"We've won the games I've pitched, so I'm certainly satisfied with that. Ultimately in efficiency and throwing strikes, I have work to do," said Miller, who improved to 3-0 with a 3.57 ERA in four starts with the Red Sox.
"We'll put that work in. (Pitching Coach) Curt (Young) and I will work between now and the break. I'll go out there and I'll try and improve on this one. Whenever that might be we'll go out and try to win another game," the 26-year-old left-hander said.
Miller allowed three runs to the Baltimore Orioles in Boston's 10-4 win, but lasted only five innings due to a high pitch count. He threw 97 pitches, 57 for strikes, allowing six hits and four walks while not recording a strike out.
His command was erratic throughout, but still, Miller got the job done for Boston.
"There are some moving points he's still working on," said Manager Terry Francona. "Saying that, he limited the damage and controlled the game which is good. But I think there is more in there; I think he thinks so too."
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Miller has not made it into the seventh inning in any of his starts, all against lesser MLB opponents. Still, the former first round pick has filled in nicely as four of Boston's five starters have found their way onto the disabled list at some point this season.
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After five lackluster seasons between the Majors and Minors for the Detroit Tigers and Florida Marlins, Miller is happy to get his shot with the Red Sox.
But getting a shot is not enough for a kid who was once thought to be one of the best young arms in the game.
"I can't complain; I'm in the big leagues. I won a ball game tonight. You're not going to hear too many complaints out of me," he said. "It doesn't mean I'm content, I'm still working. There is plenty more to accomplish. This is hopefully just the beginning of things."
