FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Red Sox have felt all along that they could have something special in left-hander Andrew Miller. The only question was whether to make him a starter or reliever, a decision that would come down to both personal and organizational desires.
That decision has been made.
Manager Terry Francona announced Friday at City of Palms Park that Miller will begin the process of getting stretched out and open the year as a member of the rotation for Triple-A Pawtucket.
There was one key factor in the decision to utilize Miller in this way.
"Repetition," Francona said, indicating that the club wants the lanky lefty to be on a set schedule going forward.
"We thought about a lot of different stuff, pitching him every three days. We talked about a lot of stuff," Francona added. "I think he agreed that he can not only pitch in a game but he can have a side day, and I think was open to that. He can get stretched out, it's good for him…the more reps he gets, the better."
Miller has shown flashes of dominance in Grapefruit League play. Other times he has been erratic. Overall, he has given up nine runs in 7 2/3 innings.
The former first-round pick is 14-24 in 54 career starts at the major league level. He is 1-2 with a 6.83 mark in 25 games out of the bullpen.
