Miller joins Indians, ready to contribute in any role

CLEVELAND (AP) Andrew Miller isn't concerned about his role in the Cleveland Indians' bullpen. The dominating left-hander only wants to help his new team make a run at the postseason.

Two days after he was acquired from the New York Yankees for four minor leaguers, Miller joined the Indians prior to Monday night's game against Minnesota.

Cleveland manager Terry Francona can use Miller with right-hander Bryan Shaw in the late innings before going to closer Cody Allen.

''I'll be a bullpen pitcher,'' Miller said. ''Wherever Tito asks me to pitch, I'll pitch. If we win games, that's what's important.''

Allen has 20 saves while Miller recorded nine with the Yankees. Francona doesn't see a problem with how he'll get the best from the back end of his bullpen.

''It's not really rocket science,'' he said. ''The whole idea is when you have leverage situations you want to use guys in the right spots. That's really what it is. They're all onboard. They know they'll be pitching with the lead or with a tie. It'll be fun.''

Miller was 6-1 with a 1.39 ERA with the Yankees. He held opponents to a .174 average and struck out 77 in 45 1/3 innings.

''When you get a guy like Andrew Miller, he's kind of a rare breed,'' Francona said. ''He just wants the ball.''

The Indians have the best record in the AL and lead the Central Division by 4 1/2 games.

''They had it going pretty good,'' Miller said. ''I think it's a complete team. Hopefully I can contribute and make us better.''

Miller was awakened Sunday by an 8 a.m. phone call from Yankees general manager Brian Cashman informing him of the trade. He traveled from Tampa, where the Yankees were playing, and arrived in Cleveland later that night.

''I was sleeping,'' he said. ''I woke up for the phone. My alarm hadn't been set to go off yet. That's how my Sunday started. It was a little bit of a whirlwind after that.''

Miller's first road trip with the Indians will be a return to Yankee Stadium for a three-game series that begins Friday.

''It will help with the move, my wife trying to get the apartment together,'' Miller said. ''I don't know how excited I am to face those guys. That's always a little weird. It's not the most fun thing as a player, but it's a business. I'll find a way.''