On Sunday, the Philadelphia Phillies had the opportunity to see the first home game of the Grapefruit League schedule. Bryce Harper made a casual comment on top prospect Aidan Miller’s health that may have surprised some who stayed to listen to his in-dugout interview.
Early in training camp, Miller—the Phillies’ top MLB Pipeline prospect and 23rd overall—has drawn a lot of interest, and rightfully so. We were expected to see the shortstop in the lineup this weekend as spring training games began, as he is set to make his Major League debut later this season.
Miller’s absence from Saturday’s lineup against the Toronto Blue Jays on the road in Dunedin was a little unexpected. It would have been a fantastic chance for Miller to gain experience, but fellow top prospect Justin Crawford made his first start and did well.
Phillies ‘super cautious’ with top prospect Aidan Miller who’s dealing with back soreness
We now understand why. Following Sunday’s 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the brave beat reporters on the ground in Clearwater got the dirt from Phillies manager Rob Thomson after Harper brought up Miller’s health. Todd Zolecki of MLB.com broke the news and provided clarification.Aidan Miller, a Phillies prospect, has a sore back, Zolecki wrote on social media.He is taking it easy this week and receiving treatment because the Phillies want to be cautious with him. He would have played in Dunedin yesterday if he were well.
Aidan Miller, a Phillies prospect, has a bad back. He is taking it easy this week and receiving treatment because the Phillies want to be cautious with him.
Miller reportedly complained of back pain one morning lately, according to Zolecki, but Thomson doesn’t believe Miller hurt himself on the field. Thomson was struck by a pitch during last week’s live batting practice, but it wasn’t in the back, but he couldn’t completely rule out the chance that he may have injured himself moving out of the way.
Miller still has plenty of time to recover and start playing in games because camp is less than two weeks away. Thomson reaffirmed on Sunday that the Phillies will not rush him back.
Thomson stated, “We’re just being super cautious with him, obviously, this early in camp,” according to Zolecki. “He’s just getting treatment.”
During spring training, Miller, who is only 21 years old, is anticipated to play a lot at shortstop and third base. He is anticipated to eventually take Alec Bohm’s place at third, though it is unclear if that will happen this season or the following.
