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Indians land lefty reliever, denied All-Star catcher

 
Andrew Miller has a 1.39 ERA and 77 strikeouts vs. seven walks.
Andrew Miller has a 1.39 ERA and 77 strikeouts vs. seven walks.
Published Aug. 1, 2016

CLEVELAND — Serious about winning the World Series, the Indians batted .500 in trying to make two major trades Sunday.

Going all in for October, the AL Central leaders acquired All-Star LH reliever Andrew Miller from the Yankees for four minor-leaguers. The deal came less than 12 hours after the Indians had agreed on the parameters of a swap with the Brewers for All-Star C Jonathan Lucroy. However, that trade was stopped by Lucroy, who refused to waive his no-trade clause and turned down a chance to join a contender.

"There were some circumstances that came up that made me void it, obviously," Lucroy said in Milwaukee. "I think when it eventually comes out, everyone will understand why. I'm not going to comment on any specifics."

Lucroy's decision would have been a huge blow to the Indians if not for the addition of Miller, who will help Cleveland manager Terry Francona shorten games as the Indians try to win their first World Series title since 1948.

"It certainly should help us a lot," Francona said. "I know when we go into New York (this) week, we don't have to face Andrew Miller, which will be really nice."

So will his ability to mix and match Miller with RHP Bryan Shaw in the late innings before handing the ball to RH closer Cody Allen.

New York acquired two of Cleveland's top prospects, OF Clint Frazier and LHP Justus Sheffield, along with RHPs Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen. Miller, 31, could be ready to join the Indians bullpen tonight when the club opens a four-game series against the Twins.

When the team officially welcomed Miller with a photo on the scoreboard during Sunday's game, the crowd at Progressive Field burst into a loud ovation knowing he is on the way.

Miller has been one of baseball's best relievers since moving to the bullpen full time in 2012, using a high 90s fastball and a nearly unhittable slider to overpower both lefties and righties. This season, he has a 1.39 ERA in 44 games, with 77 strikeouts and seven walks in 451/3 innings.

ORIOLES ADD STARTER: Baltimore acquired Wade Miley in a trade with the Mariners, giving manager Buck Showalter an experienced left-hander for his rotation as the team tries to hold off the Blue Jays and Red Sox for the AL East title. Miley has a 4.98 ERA overall but had a 3.45 ERA in five July starts. Seattle received minor-league LHP Ariel Miranda in the trade.

CARDS GET RELIEF: St. Louis added depth to its bullpen by acquiring veteran LHP Zach Duke from the White Sox for minor-league OF Charlie Tilson. Duke had a 2.63 ERA for in an AL-high 53 appearances. In other Cardinals news, SS Aledmys Diaz left their game against the Marlins in the first inning with a bruised right hand after being hit by a pitch. He's scheduled to have further tests by a specialist today.

DODGERS: RHP Bud Norris left his start after two batters with back muscle tightness.

MARLINS: RHP Colin Rea went on the 15-day disabled list with an elbow sprain, two days after he was acquired from the Padres.

METS: Former Rays SS Asdrubal Cabrera strained the patella tendon in his left knee and likely is headed to the disabled list.

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ROCKIES: SS Trevor Story was out of the lineup because of a jammed left thumb.

ROYALS: RH closer Wade Davis went on the 15-day disabled list with a flexor strain, the same injury that sent the former Ray to the disabled list in early July.