New York Yankees Injury News, Rumors: Closer Andrew Miller Fractures Wrist
Relief pitcher Andrew Miller of the New York Yankees has a broken wrist in his glove hand, but that won't stop him from pitching on Opening Day. The 30-year old former Tar Heel got the chip fracture in his right wrist during Wednesday's game against the Atlanta Braves, where he appeared to have been hit by a line drive off Willians Astudillo.
Miller talked confidently about the injury on Thursday via CBC Sports. "I think I can work around it. I'm not too worried, it's my right hand," he said, obviously suggesting that he won't be generally bothered by it since he's a left-hander.
Although the team requires him to meet and consult with a hand specialist right before the start of the season.
The sixth overall pick of the Detroit Tigers in the 2006 MLB Draft actually played closer last season for the Yankees. He will be playing the same role early this season because his main competition in the roster is out to serve a 30-game suspension for domestic abuse. So with Aroldis Chapman out for some time, it is up to Miller to fill the void. But in the event that his injury worsens, then the team will be forced to put him on the disabled list and put in Dellin Betances instead.
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Talking to ESPN, Miller joked about how he would address a doctor's recommendation telling him to miss some time in order to heal the fracture in his non-throwing hand. "I'll probably find another doctor," he said while laughing. He knows for a fact that hurting his right hand is a lot better news than having it on his throwing hand.
But another Yankees pitcher may not be as lucky, as Bryan Mitchell suffered his own injury in the very same game. After an MRI, it was revealed that he has a fracture in his left big toe, which usually means he's going to be opting for surgery. Mitchell's loss is a big blow for the Yankees because he serves as an insurance in case the starting rotation does not show up.
