Andrew Miller ready to ‘fit in’ with Orioles

TODD KARPOVICH
Associated Press

BALTIMORE (AP) — One of the first items of business for Andrew Miller when he joined the Baltimore Orioles on Friday was to shave his beard.

The Orioles have a policy against that much facial hair and Miller was eager to fit in with his new team.

Miller, acquired from the Boston Red Sox for minor league left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, should provide another effective left-handed option for the Orioles. He joins an already solid crop of relievers that has flourished this season, led by Darren O’Day (3-1, 1.10 ERA) and lefty Zach Britton (3-2, 1.65 ERA, 21 saves).

“Clearly, they’re doing something right here,” Miller said. “The last couple of years they’ve been one of the best teams in certainly what I believe to be the best division in baseball. To be up there is certainly an accomplishment. I’m happy to join that and looking forward to it. They’re doing the right thing here. That’s what you want to be part of.”

To make room for Miller, right-hander Ryan Webb was designated off the 25-man roster. Webb was 3-2 with 3.80 ERA in 42 appearances for Baltimore this season.

Miller has limited left-handed hitters to a .150 batting average and kept righties to a .180 average in 150 plate appearances. He is confident that his experience regularly competing against American League East teams will help with the transition to Baltimore because of the familiarity with the stadiums and lineups.

“”They’re bullpens and ballparks I’ve pitched in quite a bit so I feel comfortable in them,” Miller said. “There’s certainly an advantage in that I guess.”

Since becoming a full-time reliever in 2012, Miller has a 2.78 ERA in 140 games while averaging 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings. His contract expires after this season, so there’s a chance he won’t be with the Orioles beyond this year.

For now, though, the goal is to help Baltimore get to the postseason for the second time in three years.

“These guys have been really good,” Miller said. “That got some really good arms and a pretty good balance out there. Whatever is asked of me, I want to fit in. These guys are throwing the ball really well right now.”