Yankees Pitcher Andrew Miller Breaks Wrist In 2-0 Win Over Braves

The New York Yankees’ three-headed bullpen could be down to one come opening day.

Yankees Pitcher Andrew Miller Breaks Wrist In 2-0 Win Over Braves

Relief pitcher Andrew Miller broke his non-pitching wrist after he was struck on the right arm by a line drive during the seventh inning of the Yankee’s 2-0 win over the Atlanta Braves in Kissimmee, Florida on Wednesday.

The left-hander threw his glove and walked into the Yankees’ dugout after pinch-hitter Willians Astudillo’s comebacker went off his arm, just above the wrist. X-rays were negative, but a CT scan revealed a chip fracture.

“I’ll probably find another doctor,” Miller said, laughing. “I can’t imagine not playing because of something on my right hand.”

Miller was slated to continue as Yankees closer at least through May, while Aroldis Chapman serves a 30-game suspension for an offseason domestic abuse incident.

If Miller is sidelined, Dellin Betances would then replace him as closer. Ivan Nova, who is competing for the fifth spot in the Yankees’ rotation, pitched six innings of two-hit ball. He struck out two and walked one.

“I did my part and they’re going to make the decision,” Nova said. “Remember, I’m not fighting against a guy with one year or two years. CC Sabathia has a lot of history. He’s not an easy fight, but I did my part and hopefully I won the spot.”

Julio Teheran, the Braves’ expected opening-day starting pitcher, allowed four hits in five scoreless innings on Wednesday. The right-hander struck out two and walked none.

Back-to-back triples by Dustin Fowler and Billy Fleming and a single by Austin Romine off Alexi Ogando accounted for the Yankees’ runs in the eighth.

Aaron Hicks got three out of New York’s 10 hits.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he will check on right-handed pitcher Masahiro Tanaka‘s bullpen session before naming a starter for Monday’s season opener.

Miller told The New York Times:

Caption: NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 26: Andrew Miller #48 of the New York Yankees pitches in the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on September 26, 2015 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Yankees defeated the White Sox 2-1. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena