FORT MYERS, Fla. -- For the second time this spring, pitcher Andrew Miller is dealing with an injury.
Miller left the game Tuesday night in the seventh inning after throwing just three pitches, suffering from what the Red Sox labeled a "slight left hamstring strain."
Earlier this month, Miller was sidelined for more than a week after he experienced some tightness in his left elbow.
"It's mild in nature," said manager Bobby Valentine after the Red Sox lost to Toronto, 9-2. "He said he felt it on the first pitch."
Miller, who is out of options, may now have to begin the season on the disabled list. Though such a scenario might not be Miller's first choice, it would serve to give the Red Sox more time to evaluate another pitcher at the big league level, while postponing, for the time being, the decision whether to have Miller on the roster or risk exposing him to waivers by sending him to the minor leagues.
Valentine conceded it would now be difficult for Miller to compete for a starter's spot, but wouldn't rule him out as a bullpen candidate.