Yankees' Andrew Miller leaves mound in obvious pain after being hit by comebacker
The Yankees could find themselves in a closer conundrum, depending on the status of reliever Andrew Miller, who was hit by a comebacker during a spring training game on Wednesday.
Miller was nailed in the right wrist by a ball off the bat of Braves infielder Willians Astudillo, prompting the left-hander to throw his glove down and immediately walk of the mound in frustration. Reporters on the scene said Miller sulked to the dugout while holding his wrist, and threw his hat against the railing as he sat on the bench.
Manager Joe Girardi described Miller's injury as a bruised wrist. X-rays came back negative, but a CT scan revealed a chip fracture in his right wrist. He will see a hand specialist, who will determine the next course of action.
While the injury wasn't to his throwing hand, losing Miller to injury for any amount of time would be a big blow to the Yankees bullpen. Miller is slated to be the team's fill-in closer while Aroldis Chapman serves a 30-game suspension, which he received as a result of an alleged domestic violence incident. If Miller's injury requires a DL stint, Dellin Betances would most likely assume the closer role.
