Philadelphia Phillies’ top prospect Aidan Miller is reportedly dealing with a sore back.
Per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, manager Rob Thomson said that the infielder is “taking it easy this week” and receiving treatment. Bryce Harper announced the news that the talented prospect was dealing with an ailment during his interview in the sixth inning on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s broadcast on Sunday.
“If Miller could get off his butt and get in the game, that would be nice,” Harper jokingly stated.
He continued, "I need him to get healthy, because he could help us by the end, obviously.”
Zolecki also reported that Miller got to the ballpark one morning and was complaining about back soreness. The team is taking it easy with the shortstop, with it being early in Spring Training.
Miller has not played in either of the Phillies' first three spring training games to start Grapefruit League play.
Last season, Miller missed some time last year with what was considered “skin irritation," missing 10 days of action.
Miller’s spring debut is one of the most anticipated after he surged in the second half of last season and looks like he has taken the next step, showing why he has been untouchable when it comes to being packaged in a deal.
The top-25 prospect in baseball made some adjustments in the second half that have paid dividends. Over his last 36 games, Miller slashed .281/.491/.607 with a 1.098 OPS to go with 22 stolen bases and 31 walks to 29 strikeouts.
Miller is expected to play both shortstop and third base this spring as he prepares to more than likely start the season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. It is expected that Miller will receive an eventual promotion later this season with the chance to take over at third base if Alec Bohm, who is set to be a free agent after this season, does not return.
