Shelby Miller 'feels fine' after leaving last start
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (6/18/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he feels fine and expects to make his next start Saturday against the Rangers without any issues.
Miller left Monday's start against the Cubs with a right calf cramp. He plans to introduce more fluids and electrolytes into his routine before his next start. The right-hander is 8-4 with a 2.08 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP in 14 starts. He is 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA in his last four starts.
Shelby Miller to change routine prior to next start
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (6/18/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller, who was forced from Monday's start against the Cubs with a right calf cramp, said his leg was loosening after the game as the medical staff had him drink liquids to hydrate, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Miller said he didn't do "what I needed to to take care of myself," but added he plans to introduce more fluids and electrolytes into his routine before his next start, Saturday against the Rangers.
Even if Miller kept going Monday, he might not have lasted much longer because he threw 83 pitches in five innings. The rookie continues to be frustrated by high pitch counts.
"It’s the mental side of it," Miller said. "I’m trying to go out there and throw strikes and throwing it in there. You start missing spots. You don’t have that fastball life. You don’t have the mentality that you have the rest of the game. It’s something that I need to work on. I see guys like (Adam) Wainwright, Lance (Lynn), and (Jake) Westbrook go out there and just dominate the first inning -- go three up, three down. That’s what you need to do. That’s not on your side when you walk the first guy."
Shelby Miller exits start with leg cramp
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (6/17/2013) Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller was removed from Monday's start agaisnt the Cubs with cramping in his right leg, the team announced. He allowed two hits and two walks in five scoreless innings, striking out five while throwing 83 pitches.
Miller left the game in line for his eighth win. He has a 2.08 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 96 strikeouts in 86 1/3 innings.
Shelby Miller still learning
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (6/13/2013) Cardinals starter Shelby Miller struggled Wednesday night against the Mets and said he's still learning to pitch in the majors, according to MLB.com.
Miller allowed a home run to David Wright in the sixth inning and said he gave in too easily during the at-bat. Miller was behind 3-1 to Wright, then put a fastball down the middle. After the game, Miller said he should have been more careful with the Mets' best hitter. "I probably should have really, really, maybe even walked him there," Miller said. "Maybe even throw it down and away. I was just trying to throw a strike. It was a bad mistake."
Miller has been succeeding by being aggressive, but admitted he can't do that against the premier power hitters, especially in a hitter's counts. "It's just not a good job of me executing pitches at certain times, especially in a hitter's count," he said. "You can't really throw a ball right down the middle."
Miller has a 2.21 ERA and a 2.51 FIP in 81 1/3 innings. His next start is Monday against the Cubs.
Shelby Miller strikes out 10 in loss
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (6/12/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller struck out 10 batters without issuing a walk Wednesday against the Mets but surrendered four earned runs on five hits in six innings to take a loss and drop to 7-4 on the year.
The Mets jumped to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and added solo home runs in the fourth and sixth innings. It was the first time all season Miller has allowed more than three earned runs in a start. He'll take a 2.21 ERA and 91:17 K:BB ratio into Wednesday's home game against the Cubs.
Shelby Miller Ks 9 vs. D-Backs
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (6/6/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller turned in a solid outing as he picked up his seventh win Thursday night against the Diamondbacks.
Miller (7-3) surrendered two runs in the first inning for his only damage of the night. He yielded two runs on six hits while striking out nine in six innings pitched. He also helped his cause with a solo home run in a 12-8 victory.
"I haven't hit a home run since high school, at least in a game," said Miller. "It was neat. It will be something I remember for sure. Sometimes you get lucky."
Miller has now won back-to-back starts. He has allowed just two runs in his last 13 innings. He is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday against the Mets at Citi Field. He is 3-2 with a 2.83 ERA in six starts away from home.
Shelby Miller cruises past Giants
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (6/1/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller snapped a three-game winless streak Saturday against the Giants.
Miller struck out seven and walked just one over seven shutout innings, his first quality start in four outings. He allowed just six hits in the game, and only one of them went for extra bases.
Miller is 6-3 on the season with a 1.82 ERA. He will try to continue his momentum Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.
Shelby Miller and Matt Cain rained out, pushed to Saturday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/31/2013) Friday's series' opener between the Giants and Cardinals was postponed due to a severe storm system making its way near Busch Stadium. The game will be made up Saturday with a day-night doubleheader. Friday's starters Shelby Miller and Matt Cain will take the mound for the first game.
Shelby Miller can't hang on to early lead
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/26/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller was unable to factor in the decision of Sunday's series finale against the Dodgers.
Miller surrendered a two-run home run to Adrian Gonzalez in the first and a run-scoring single to Gonzalez in the fifth. He was charged with three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out three in 5 1/3 innings of a 5-3 win.
Miller has failed to go six innings for the third consecutive start and the fifth time in 10 starts. He is scheduled to make his next start Friday at home against San Francisco. He is 2-1 with a 0.99 ERA in four starts at Busch Stadium.
Shelby Miller frustrated by high pitch counts
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/21/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller failed to go six innings for the second straight start and for the fourth time in nine starts Monday against the Padres. The right-hander continues to be plagued by high pitch counts.
Miller exceeded 100 pitches for the third time in four May starts and for the fifth time this season.
"Throwing 20 pitches every single inning is not what I'm here to do," Miller said, per MLB.com. "Facing a good hitting offense on a big league club, it's not going to be easy to just throw it and have then swing at it every single time. Something I have to realize is to get the ball around the zone and hopefully things happen better."
Outside of the complete-game shutout he threw May 10, Miller is averaging more than 17 pitches per inning in his eight other starts.
"There are some nights where they're picking it up a little bit better and fouling it off," manager Mike Matheny said. "They're still not squaring up a lot of them. I think taking some shots down in the bottom of the zone more often may be part of the way to help him because the foul balls are typically the ones at the top."
Shelby Miller drops first decision in May
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/21/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller needed 107 pitches and couldn't finish the sixth inning Monday in San Diego. He only allowed three runs, but it was enough to suffer the defeat.
Miller fell to 5-3 on the year with a 1.74 ERA, as he gave up three runs on five hits and three walks over 5 2/3. He struck out five in the loss.
The 22-year-old clearly has been much better than his record would suggest with the low ERA and a 0.93 WHIP. He's struck out 62 over 57 innings. The loss was his first since April 28. Miller will make his next start Sunday in Los Angeles against the Dodgers.
Shelby Miller to focus on run game
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/16/2013) The Cardinals are asking Shelby Miller to control the run game more efficiently, according to MLB.com.
Miller has been fantastic this season, but opposing base-runners are seven for eight off him. The Cardinals recently timed Miller with a stopwatch, and found he was too slow during his windup. Miller admitted he has been making some mental mistakes, and vowed to take care of the issue.
Miller will work on his "hold" times during bullpen sessions, which will allow him to figure out the most effective ways for him to cut down on his time to the plate. Miller's next start will come May 20 against the Padres.
Shelby Miller continues scoreless run
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/15/2013) Cardinals starter Shelby Miller continued his scoreless run in his outing against the Mets on Wednesday night. After throwing a one-hit shutout his last time out, he worked 5 2/3 scoreless innings, giving up four hits while striking out six.
The right-hander retired the first two batters to extend his streak to 29 consecutive batters, dating back to his previous outing before David Wright hit a single. He was pulled with two out in the sixth after throwing 96 pitches, 65 for strikes, and left in line for the win. But the bullpen was unable to hold on and Miller ended up with a no-decision.
The 22-year-old also struck out six and walked one while lowering his ERA to 1.40.
Miller is scheduled to take the mound next on Monday against the Padres.
Cardinals' starters going deeper into games
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/14/2013) Cardinals' starters have gone deeper into games this year, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The rotation is a averaging 101.5 pitches per start. No other National League rotation has averaged over 100 pitches per start. The team's rotation has the second best FIP in baseball, with a 2.81 mark. The high pitch counts may be a result of the team's success in the rotation. It also shows the Cardinals are willing to let their starters go deeper in games if they are experiencing success. The team has already seen Adam Wainwright and Shelby Miller turn in complete games.
It's impossible to accurately predict complete games or shutouts for Fantasy purposes, but it's encouraging to know the Cardinals will let their starters throw a higher workload if things are going well.
Cardinals pitchers flirt with history
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (5/11/2013) While Shelby Miller and Adam Wainwright both fell just short of throwing no-hitters Friday and Saturday, respectively, the two did help the Cardinals make some history.
Miller and Wainwright combined to retire 40 straight Rockies hitters between the two of them, which tied the streak the Rangers set against the Tigers back in 1996, according to the Ellias Sports Bureau.
Miller got things started by retiring 27 batters after allowing a leadoff single Friday night and Wainwright continued the steak Saturday, retiring the first 13 batters he faced before issuing a one-out walk to Todd Helton in the fifth inning.
In addition to retiring 40 consecutive batters, St. Louis also held the Rockies hitless over a span of 50 batters between Eric Young's single Friday and Nolan Arenado's hit Saturday.
Shelby Miller threw one for the ages
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/11/2013) For a franchise that has never had a perfect game, Shelby Miller's start Friday was about as close as they have ever come. And at least by one metric, his one-hit complete game Friday was the best outing in Cardinals history.
Miller's 98 game score, a stat sabermetrician Bill James came up with to quantify pitcher performance in a given outing, is the highest in franchise history in a nine-inning game according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Manager Mike Matheny said he received a number of phone calls about Miller's start, praising his 22-year-old's masterpiece.
"That was something many of us may never see. Very, very impressive," Matheny said. "The more you think about it the more you respect what he pulled off. That was almost like a no-hitter."
Miller struck out 13 batters and walked none, while retiring 27 straight batters after allowing a leadoff single.
Shelby Miller nearly perfect vs. Rockies
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (5/10/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller tossed a one-hit shutout Friday night against the Rockies. Miller, who made his seventh start, gave up a leadoff single to Eric Young to start the game but then went on to retire the next 27 batters he faced.
The right-hander did not issue a walk and struckout a career-best 13 batters, tying the Cardinals' rookie record for most Ks in the game.
Miller needed 113 pitches to register his first career complete game and has posted a 1.39 ERA, which is the lowest for a Cardinals pitcher in his first eight starts since Howie Pollet had a 2.09 ERA in his first eight in 1941.
Miller has allowed three runs of less in each of his seven starts while racking up 51 strikeouts compared to just 11 walks. He is slated to face the Mets at home Wednesday.
Shelby Miller gets by Brewers, again
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller picked up his fourth win Friday against the Brewers. Miller, who made his sixth start, allowed one run on seven hits over six innings in the 6-1 win.
The lone run he surrendered came on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jonathan Lucroy in the sixth.
The right-hander was pulled after throwing 106 pitches -- 69 strikes -- and finished with five strikeouts and one walk. He is 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA over his two starts against Milwaukee.
Miller, who has recorded a quality start in three of his last four outings, is slated to face the Rockies at home May 10. He is 1-1 with a 1.31 ERA in four career appearances -- three starts -- at Busch Stadium.
Shelby Miller serves up two homers in losing effort
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Cardinals starter Shelby Miller turned in a decent outing but suffered his second loss of the season during Sunday's series finale against the Pirates.
Miller, who made his sixth start of the season, surrendered a solo home run to Russell Martin in the second and another solo shot to Jose Tabata in the fifth. The right-hander touched up for three runs and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 9-0 defeat.
Miller has not allowed more than three runs in an outing. He has a 2.05 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. The 22-year-old is scheduled to start Friday at Milwaukee. He is 2-1 with a 2.00 ERA in three starts away from Busch Stadium.
Shelby Miller Ks eight for third win
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/22/2013) After taking the loss his last time out, Cardinals starter Shelby Miller got back in the win column in Monday's series opener against the Nationals. He allowed two runs on four hits over 6 2/3 innings in a 3-2 victory.
The right-hander gave up all of his damage in the fourth when he surrendered back-to-back run-scoring doubles. He was pulled after putting two men on in the seventh and threw 65 of his 98 pitches for strikes.
Miller (3-1) also struck out eight and walked two.
His next start is scheduled for Sunday against the Pirates. Miller allowed two runs over six innings in a loss to Pittsburgh on April 17.
Shelby Miller succeeding with two pitches
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (4/22/2013) Cardinals starter Shelby Miller has gotten off to a strong start this year relying on just two pitches.
Miller has used his four-seam fastball and curveball against hitters. His third pitch, a changeup, has only been thrown seven times this year. Miller has talked about trusting Yadier Molina's pitch selection this season, so it's not necessarily a case of Miller not having confidence in the pitch. Until hitters show they can make solid contact against Miller's fastball and curve, there's no reason for him to mix in a third offering. Miller will take on the Nationals Monday.
Shelby Miller a tough-luck loser
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/17/2013) Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller turned in a quality start in Wednesday's series finale against the Pirates but it was not enough to overcome his counterpart -- A.J. Burnett.
The right-hander allowed two runs on six hits over six innings of work in a 5-0 loss.
Miller gave up a leadoff triple to the first batter he faced before Travis Snider followed with an RBI single. That was his only damage over the first five frames. Then in the sixth, Neil Walker drove in a run with a base hit and the 22-year-old was done after throwing 98 pitches, 69 for strikes.
Miller also struck out six and walked one while taking his first loss.
His next start is scheduled for Monday against the Nationals.
Shelby Miller nearly flawless
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/12/2013) Cardinals rookie pitcher Shelby Miller was nearly flawless in his second outing of the season, allowing just a leadoff single and hitting Alex Gonzalez in the second inning before retiring the final 17 batters faced in a 2-0 win over the Brewers Friday.
Miller threw 113 pitches (87 for strikes) in the seven-inning outing, striking out eight batters to move to 2-0. He'll take a 1.74 ERA into a Wednesday start against the Pirates in Pittsburgh.
Shelby Miller wins first start of 2013
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/6/2013) Cardinals rookie starting pitcher Shelby Miller earned the win in his first start of 2013, allowing two earned runs on four hits and four walks while striking out four in 5 1/3 innings. He threw 95 pitches in a 6-3 win over the Giants.
It was Miller's second career major-league win, having notched his first in relief, late in 2012. He's lined up to face the Dodgers at home in his next start.
Shelby Miller to make debut Saturday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/31/2013) Cardinals manager Mike Matheny announced Sunday right-hander Shelby Miller, who earned the final spot in the rotation, will make his season debut Saturday at San Francisco, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. The 22-year-old carried a 3.94 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 16 Grapefruit League innings.
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/31/2013) In his final appearance of the spring, Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller cruised through an exhibition outing Saturday against the Marlins' Triple-A squad, completing 4 2/3 scoreless innings. Miller, who claimed the final spot in the St. Louis rotation after beating out Joe Kelly this spring, struck out seven batters and walked one while allowing just four hits.
The Cardinals have not decided when Miller will make his season debut as there is a possibility he could be pushed back until their first homestand next week.
Shelby Miller wins over Cardinals
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/26/2013) Part of the reason Shelby Miller struggled at Triple-A Memphis last year is because he and management were butting heads over pitch selection. Probably not the best way to earn a promotion, but that's what happened. Only after the Cardinals demanded that he stop shaking off the catcher did he turn his season around, prompting his promotion in September and his shot at a rotation spot this spring.
Apparently, his reluctant malleability earned him some points with the coaching staff.
"We explained to him in a year's time the maturing in his game and as a person -- it's just off the charts," manager Mike Matheny said. "He's trending in a great direction. He just has to keep that going. There's a bright future for him. Remember what got him to this point."
Considering Miller was hardly lights-out this spring, the Cardinals must really think he has turned the corner to give him a job at age 22. And if they're willing to give him the benefit of the doubt now, I'm thinking they also will during the season, despite their incredible pitching depth.
Good spring or not, I can't think of too many reasons to pass on Miller in the late rounds.
Cardinals name Shelby Miller as No. 5 starter
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) MLB.com reports Shelby Miller has beat out Joe Kelly for the final spot in the Cardinals' rotation.
Miller made his fifth appearance of the Grapefruit League on Monday against the Twins and allowed just one run on six hits over 4 1/3 innings. The right-hander also struck out two and walked two while lowering his spring ERA to 3.94.
Miller, 22, could make his first start of the regular season in the fifth game or on April 10.
Cardinals pitching battles clear up
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) Cardinals rotation candidate Shelby Miller didn't get off to a good start on Monday in a Grapefruit League outing against the Twins. He finished strong, however, and may have cemented a spot in the rotation.
Miller gave up a run in the first inning but that was all he would allow over 4 1/3 frames. He surrendered just the one run on six hits and two walks with two strikeouts and his ERA on the spring is now at 3.94.
Joe Kelly, also in the running for the final rotation spot, pitched the sixth and seventh innings and allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk. His spring ERA is now at 5.54.
Miller may have done enough Monday to secure the starting nod, while Kelly appears destined to pitch in long relief to open the year for the Red Birds. Look for Miller to appear next in a minor league game Saturday with Kelly heading to Arizona with the rest of the club.
The Cardinals have not decided when Miller, if he does win the No. 5 spot, would make his first start of the regular season. It could either come in the fifth game or on April 10.
Cardinals nearing fifth starter decision
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/25/2013) The Cardinals still must decide who the No. 5 starter role will go to and that decision could come Monday, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Shelby Miller starts Monday against the Twins in Fort Myers and Joe Kelly, the other possibility, will appear in relief.
Miller could take the job with a solid performance, but if he struggles and Kelly pitches well that could change things. With closer Jason Motte's availability in question to begin the year, the Cardinals have extra space in the bullpen for a long reliever, a role which both Kelly or Miller could fill.
Whichever pitcher gets the starting nod will remain in Jupiter to appear in a minor league game on Saturday. The reliever will head to Arizona with the team on Friday. St. Louis has yet to decide if the No. 5 starter will start the fifth game of the season or if they will wait for the turn to come up on April 10.
Shelby Miller's value back on the rise
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/24/2013) Cardinals starting pitcher prospect Shelby Miller has taken Fantasy owners on quite the ride this spring.
He saw a spike in Fantasy value after the news emerged Chris Carpenter was set to sit out the 2013 season due to injury. Miller was then considered the favorite to take Carpenter's rotation spot and Fantasy owners were reaching for the young right-hander hurler.
Miller then saw a drop in value after he struggled in his first few spring outings and Joe Kelly was cruising. Now, Miller is once again considered the front-runner as he is surging late in the spring and Kelly is struggling.
Kudos to those Fantasy owners who weren't afraid to reach for Miller when he was struggling this spring. It seems your gamble could end up paying off. Miller has the upside to be an impact arm in 2013 and his relief-pitcher eligibility in Head-to-Head formats is a bonus.
With the news Miller is back out in front, I think it's safe to view him as a mid-round Fantasy sleeper again.
Shelby Miller carries lead in fifth starter competition into deciding start
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/24/2013) Cardinals top pitching prospect Shelby Miller leads in the club's fifth starter competition heading into what will be the deciding game on Monday, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
Miller and competitor Joe Kelly will each throw Monday against Minnesota, and the decision will be made following the game.
Miller has a 4.63 ERA in spring but has a sharp 11-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Miller's stuff -- a mid-90s fastball that reaches 97 at times and a plus curveball -- make him one of the best pitching prospects in all of baseball, and his potential is likely the reason he is likely to win the job over Kelly.
Shelby Miller making strong case for last spot
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/19/2013) Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller continued to make a strong case for a rotation spot Tuesday against the Marlins. Miller, who made his second start of the spring, threw a one-hitter over four innings. He retired the last 11 batters he faced before Joe Kelly replaced him in the fifth. Miller also struck out three and walked one to lower his ERA to 4.63 this spring.
Kelly was hit hard, allowing four runs on eight hits in three innings. Kelly, who started 16 games last season, has a 4.91 ERA through four outings.
Shelby Miller, Joe Kelly still battling for rotation
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (3/19/2013) Pitchers Shelby Miller and Joe Kelly are still fighting it out for the fifth spot in the Cardinals' rotation. Both pitchers are slated to pitch on Tuesday, with Miller getting the start. Kelly will likely pitch in relief, though it’s not clear how the innings will be split among the two.
Based on how Miller and Kelly perform on Tuesday, the team could make a decision about the fifth starter shortly after the game. The 21-year-old Miller has made the Baseball America top-100 prospect list in each of the past four seasons. Kelly, 25, doesn’t have the pedigree, but does have the experience. He started 16 games for the Cardinals last season, with a 3.53 ERA and a 4.00 FIP in 107 innings.
Cards' No. 5 rotation candidates to pitch Tuesday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/17/2013) The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Cardinals pitchers Shelby Miller and Joe Kelly, who are competing for the final spot in the team's rotation, will pitch during Tuesday's spring game against the Marlins. Miller will start and Kelly will follow.
Miller, who is considered a top 100 prospect by Baseball America (No. 6) and MLB.com (No. 25), is 1-0 with a 7.04 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in three spring outings (one start), while Kelly is 0-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 1.25 WHIP through three spring starts (eight innings).
Not sure about Shelby Miller
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/15/2013) Cardinals top prospect Shelby Miller and his primary competition for the fifth starter role, Joe Kelly, both pitched in the same game Thursday. Kelly allowed just one earned run in four strong innings. Miller gave up three on six hits in 2 2/3.
And then came this fun quote from manager Mike Matheny after the game: "You have a hard time really ignoring what Joe did," Matheny told MLB.com, referring to Kelly's 16 starts last year. "He came in and gave us a great opportunity to win every time he started. He gave us quality starts."
Hmm. Sounds to me like he's leaning toward Kelly, and based on spring performance, you really can't blame him. Miller was looking like a terrific late-round sleeper in head-to-head leagues because of his RP eligibility, but now I'm a little wary of drafting him.
Shelby Miller knocked around by Braves
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) Cardinals rotation candidate Shelby Miller endured a rough outing in Thursday's contest against the Braves. Miller, who was making his third Grapefruit League appearance, followed up his competitor Joe Kelly in the fifth inning as he allowed three runs on six hits over 2 2/3 innings of work. He also struck out four and issued a walk in a 5-4 victory. Miller upped his strikeout total to eight in 7 2/3 innings this spring.
Manager Mike Matheny told MLB.com on Thursday that he is not ready to announce the fifth starter and could allow Miller and Kelly to pitch again before he makes his decision.
"Today wasn't a drop-dead, have-to-make-a-decision day," Matheny said. "Just take in more information and another opportunity to go out there. I thought they both did the most with it."
Miller blah against Nats
(3/8/2013) Cardinals prospect Shelby Miller, competing for the final spot in the team's rotation, gave up two earned runs on three hits and a walk against the Nationals on Friday. He pitched three innings and struck out a batter.
Miller debuts for Cardinals
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/2/2013) Cardinals top pitching prospect Shelby Miller, who was dealing with soreness in his shoulder, made his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday against the Nationals. Miller started the fourth inning after starter Adam Wainwright left the game. He surrendered a solo homer in the fifth to Ian Desmond but was otherwise solid for the Cardinals. Miller allowed the one hit and struck out three in two innings of work.
Miller ready for spring debut
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (2/26/2013) Cardinals top pitching prospect Shelby Miller, who is dealing with soreness in his shoulder, is ready to return to action, reports MLB.com Tuesday. Miller is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday against Washington at Roger Dean Stadium. "He's all good to go," manager Mike Matheny said. "He's got plenty of time. He didn't lose anything."
Miller moves toward game action
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/24/2013) The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller, who dealt with soreness in his shoulder last week, will throw live batting practice Monday. He will then throw a side session a few days later and would then be scheduled to make his spring debut, if he avoids any setbacks.
Miller throws bullpen session
(2/22/2013) Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller -- the favorite to win the final spot in the team's rotation -- threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Friday morning and declared himself good to go. He told the Post-Dispatch that he was able to get his shoulder loose and the ball felt good coming out of his hand. Miller had been scratched from a side session with soreness in his shoulder.
Miller feels '100 percent'
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/21/2013) The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller, who was scratched from his side session Wednesday because of soreness in his right shoulder, was cleared to throw from flat ground Thursday and has been told to be ready to throw off the mound in the near future. Miller was given anti-inflammatory medication and went through vigorous stretching of the joint as treatment for his shoulder. Miller could return to the mound for a bullpen session as early as Friday if his flat-ground session Thursday goes well. "I feel 100 percent," he said. "All good."
Shelby shelved by injury
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/20/2013) Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said starting pitcher Shelby Miller was scratched from his side session Wednesday for precautionary reasons. Miller told the training staff he was feeling soreness in his right shoulder after throwing off a mound Monday. Matheny said, however, there is no indication it's a serious ailment. “We’re going to give him a day to grab him time in the training room and work on that,” Matheny said. “We’re not too concerned. We’re just going to give him a little more time. It’s more preventative right now.” Miller will likely be held out of spring training games this weekend. “We planned on having Shelby out there pretty early, but we’re going to go slow,” Matheny said. “We have all kinds of time. This isn’t a major issue as much as trying to get ahead of something that is more preventative.”
Cardinals pleased with Miller
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/11/2013) The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Cardinals pitching coach Derek Lilliquist is very pleased with where pitching prospect Shelby Miller stands as spring training begins. Miller will be competing for a spot in the team's rotation this spring. "He’s still a young guy and this is the best I’ve seen him come into camp, physically since he's been in this organization," Lilliquist said. "I think this is going to be a good thing. ... Typically he’s not a fast starter. I think you’re going to see a different kid. He has definitely put forth the effort to put the solid weight back on. His arm looks good. His core looks good. Move forward."
Opportunity open for Miller
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/5/2013) The Cardinals announced Tuesday starting pitcher Chris Carpenter is unlikely to pitch this season because of continued problems with his right shoulder, arm and neck. His absence likely means Lance Lynn has secured a spot in the rotation, with Shelby Miller, Joe Kelly and Trevor Rosenthal figuring into the mix for the final spot in the rotation, if the team doesn't add any outside help.
Miller could start as reliever
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/4/2013) During a chat on ESPN.com, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said he isn't opposed to having starting pitcher prospect Shelby Miller vie for a spot in the bullpen. "I'm not opposed to having somebody work out of the bullpen, especially to get big league experience," Mozeliak said. "You can see some value having a young pitcher out of the bullpen. Shelby's goal will try to make the big leagues in whatever role he can. We certainly won't tell him he can't do that if it's available to him."
Miller has better offseason
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (1/21/2013) MLB.com reports while Cardinals pitcher Shelby Miller will report to spring training heavier than he did last year (223 in 2013 compared to 204 in 2012), the pitching prospect said that's not a bad thing. "I was trying to have a beach body, I guess. I don't know what I was thinking," Miller said of his previous offseason plan. "I'd work out really hard and then I wouldn't really eat -- I'd drink a protein shake and eat a salad. I thought that would be good for me. That was my goal (this offseason) -- to put on weight -- and just try to get bigger and stronger and have a good spring. I didn't have a starting pitcher's body last year. That's what I'm trying to get back to."
