The Philadelphia Phillies took a smart approach with one of their top prospects during Spring Training. While many fans were upset over some of the decisions, it made sense.
Infielder Aidan Miller is still working his way back from a back issue, and according to President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, there’s no timeline for when he’ll resume baseball activities.
“He continues to work out. Not much baseball,” Dombrowski said, per the Philly Voice. “He’s running, jogging, doing those types of things. A very slow progress — purposely. We’re doing that with him.”
Miller had his back checked by a team doctor earlier in the month.
"[He went] just to see another doctor," manager Rob Thomson said. "Just to close the loop on all of the medical people."
Back injuries are rough, and the Phillies aren’t taking any chances with a player they view as a key part of their future. It’s better to be safe than sorry for a young kid with a back issue, as we usually don’t see this until later in players' careers.
“You don’t want to push him too fast, and then all of a sudden we go backwards,” he said. “Backs are a little bit tricky.”
For a young prospect like Miller, who probably wouldn’t have made the roster unless he was beyond perfect in Spring Training, shutting him down for however long the Phillies plan to would be a better plan. What makes this situation interesting, though, is Miller’s thoughts.
Just a month ago, he didn’t sound concerned about the injury and when he could return early in Spring Training.
“I’m not too worried about it,” Miller said. “I think it will all come pretty quick. My workload was super heavy before, especially from a strength standpoint. I’m still doing stuff in the weight room, and I think the baseball stuff will come back quick.”
Miller has all the tools to be a great player one day, and this is just a small setback. Being hurt in ST when a guy is trying to win a job or show the front office he can handle the show is far from ideal, but this is part of the game.