MILWAUKEE -- Andrew Miller reported no problems a day after throwing approximately 35 pitches during Tuesday's simulated game, but he isn't sure yet whether he'll be back with the Indians this weekend.
Miller has been sidelined since straining his left hamstring on April 25, and while he's recovered from the injury itself, going nearly two weeks without pitching may require a little more work before he can get back on the mound in a game situation.
"My hamstring is the least of my worries," Miller said. "I just want to make sure I'm sharp and be ready to help these guys."
Miller will be evaluated Thursday during the team's off-day in Cleveland. Manager Terry Francona said that Miller would go through a strength analysis before deciding the next step.
"We need to talk through whether or not to do more to prove I'm ready to be back," Miller said. "Part of that is the test, part of that is just throwing."
Cleveland's bullpen struggled after losing Miller to the disabled list. The Tribe's relievers posted a 10.06 ERA in the first 12 games without him, but it showed encouraging signs in the series opener with three scoreless innings in a 3-2 loss at Milwaukee.
"I was hoping that it wouldn't take this long, from the sense that I was starting to feel pretty sharp," Miller said. "Ideally, I'd like to step back in and contribute in a positive way."
Francona said the Indians were encouraged with what they saw in an MRI performed on Danny Salazar, who has yet to throw for Cleveland this season because of impingement tendinitis in his right shoulder.
Salazar has been shut down for at least a week after receiving a PRP injection in the shoulder, which Francona thinks will help in the long run.
"We were really pleased," Francona said. "It's more to promote the healing, but also, in the future, if he feels something ... it's not the end of the world. This was more to put his mind at ease."