Justin Miller
RP FA
Tue 3/5/19 9:53 AM

Miller received a Toradol shot Saturday to reduce the pain in his back and will attempt to play catch Tuesday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.
EDGE Analysis
After waiting three days for the shot to take its desired effect, Miller will attempt to throw with the hope that his back doesn't stiffen up. If the activity goes as hoped, Miller could throw off a mound and perhaps even face hitters later this week. Manager Dave Martinez has already stated that a healthy Miller is assured a spot in the bullpen, so the right-hander will merely need to avoid the injured list to crack the Opening Day roster.

Justin Miller
RP FA
Mon 3/4/19 4:31 PM

An MRI revealed Miller is dealing with a lower-back strain, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.
EDGE Analysis
Manager Dave Martinez noted that all is fine with the right-hander's arm, and the team is simply waiting for him to be able to throw without pain before moving forward. Miller has yet to appear in Grapefruit League play due to the issue.

Justin Miller
RP FA
Sat 3/2/19 6:41 PM

Miller is still feeling back stiffness after making his first spring appearance Saturday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.
EDGE Analysis
Miller struggled in his one inning of work against the Twins, allowing a pair of runs on two hits while striking out one. With the back issues still present, the Nationals will evaluate him Sunday before determining their next step.

Justin Miller
RP FA
Fri 3/1/19 4:40 PM

MIller has yet to appear in a spring training game due to back pain, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.
EDGE Analysis
Miller is expected to get into a game soon. Assuming he is indeed able to return in time to get into game shape by Opening Day, Miller shouldn't have a particularly tough time earning a roster spot after posting a 3.61 ERA in 52.1 innings last season.

Justin Miller
RP FA
Mon 8/27/18 11:23 PM

Miller tossed a perfect ninth inning and picked up the save Monday against Philadelphia.
EDGE Analysis
Miller induced two groundouts and a popout as he faced the minimum on the way to his first save of the season. With Kelvin Herrera (foot) on the disabled list and Ryan Madson just returning from the shelf Monday, Miller was called upon with a two-run lead in the ninth to seal the deal. The closer situation will remain a bit murky until Herrera returns to health, although Madson appears to be the favorite to take over the majority of Washington's save opportunities in the meantime. Koda Glover and Miller may also factor into the mix.

Justin Miller
RP FA
Tue 8/14/18 6:32 PM

Miller will likely get the call if a save situation arises Tuesday, but Koda Glover is expected to be the primary closer after Ryan Madson (back) was placed on the 10-day disabled list, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.
EDGE Analysis
Glover will likely be unavailable Tuesday after pitching back-to-back days, but manager Dave Martinez said Glover will be the primary option in the ninth until Sean Doolittle (toe) is ready. Miller was hit by a comebacker Monday but it sounds like he's fine. The 31-year-old was great upon arrival to Washington earlier this year, but Miller has seen his K-rate fall to just 14.3 percent since the All-Star break.

Justin Miller
RP FA
Tue 8/14/18 6:00 PM

Miller took a comebacker off his leg Monday night and his status for Tuesday is uncertain, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.
EDGE Analysis
This is poor timing for Miller, as the ninth inning just opened up again in Washington with Ryan Madson (back) landing on the DL. That said, Miller would not have been a lock for the job even if he were completely healthy. While the 31-year-old has posted an impressive 23.3 percent K-BB rate, he's also struggled with the long ball (two homers in his last two appearances, 1.73 HR/9 for the season). Koda Glover, meanwhile, has made just three appearances with the major-league team this year, but he throws harder than Miller and spent time in the closer role with the Nationals last season.

Justin Miller
RP FA
Thu 6/14/18 11:09 AM

Miller (4-0) allowed one hit and struck out four in 1.2 scoreless innings Wednesday to collect the win in a 5-4 victory over the Yankees.
EDGE Analysis
Incredibly, the hit was only the second baserunner Miller has allowed in 10.2 innings over eight appearances since joining the Nats bullpen, and his 0.00 ERA, 0.19 WHIP and 21:0 K:BB are shocking for a 31-year-old with a career 4.45 ERA in the majors. There's no telling how long he'll be able to keep up this otherworldly pace, but Miller is quickly establishing himself as an integral part of the team's relief corps.

Justin Miller
RP FA
Tue 6/12/18 6:19 PM

Miller has earned three wins since his promotion May 25, allowing just one hit while striking out 17 in nine scoreless innings out of the Nationals' bullpen.
EDGE Analysis
He's recorded multiple strikeouts in each of his last five appearances and still has not issued a walk since joining Washington. Miller failed to crack the majors leagues last year, but a commitment to improving his mechanics and fitness in the offseason has paid dividends, allowing the 30-year-old to regain some steam on his fastball. Opposing hitters are not squaring Miller up well in the rare instances when they do manage to put bat to ball, combining for just a 9.1 percent line-drive rate against the right-hander. With his quick rise up the Nationals' bullpen ranks, Miller is looking like an excellent source of holds and he has appeal even in standard leagues.

Justin Miller
RP FA
Thu 5/24/18 6:56 PM

Miller will be promoted from Triple-A Syracuse prior to Friday's series opener against the Marlins, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.
EDGE Analysis
The Nationals decided to give the veteran right-hander a look in the big-league bullpen before the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract kicks in June 15. Miller will take the roster spot of Erick Fedde, who was sent back to the minors in a corresponding roster move. Thanks to a bump in velocity -- he's averaging around 95 mph with his fastball this season -- Miller owns an impressive 15.1 K/9 and 0.40 WHIP across 13.2 scoreless innings with the Chiefs this season.