Miller allowed an earned run on a walk, two hit batsmen and a wild pitch over one inning in a Grapefruit League loss to the Mets on Friday. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran reliever was making his first Grapefruit League appearance after being eased into the exhibition slate, and it turns out he had plenty of rust to work off. Miller promptly plunked Jake Hager and Tim Tebow to open the seventh inning and then advanced both runners with a wild pitch. Miller ultimately managed to get out of the jam with only one run allowed by virtue of a double play and inning-ending, three-pitch strikeout. The southpaw will be counted on again for plenty of eighth-inning work in 2020, and with Jordan Hicks (elbow) sidelined until at least mid-season, Miller could certainly see a fair share of save opportunities as well.

Miller, who's yet to make a Grapefruit League appearance, threw live batting practice on a back field of the team's spring training complex Tuesday after throwing a bullpen session Saturday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran left-hander doesn't have any injury concerns in play, but rather, the Cardinals are just opting to ease him into the rigors of spring with a long season ahead. Rogers reports Miller is the only pitcher on the staff who wont' make an appearance during the first week of Grapefruit League contests as part of that load management strategy. "Based on how he recovers from the live today," manager Mike Shildt said. "Slowed for the fact that he's entering into I think his 14th year in the big leagues."

Miller (5-6) allowed four runs on two hits and a walk while striking out one in one-third of an inning. He took the loss in Friday's 8-2 loss to the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Miller also hit a batter. It was a horrendous start to what became a seven-run inning after Ryan Helsley had no better luck containing the Cubs' offense. Miller has now allowed five runs in his last two appearances, raising his ERA for the year to 4.50 with a 1.31 WHIP.

Miller struck out two batters in one inning against Arizona on Tuesday but he was charged with a blown save due to allowing a game-tying solo home run.

EDGE Analysis

Miler was summoned in the ninth inning to protect a one-run lead but couldn't come through, serving up a solo shot to Ildemaro Vargas to push the game into extra innings. It was Miller's fifth blown save in 11 opportunities this season, though he does rank second in the National League with 28 holds.

Miller allowed a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Sunday, striking out one batter and earning the save over the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

Miller allowed a two-out single to Jason Heyward but still managed to close things out with relative ease for his first save since Aug. 19. He blew his first two save opportunities this month but has snagged six holds, giving him 28 on the year.

Miller (5-5) was credited with the win in an extra-inning victory over the Cubs on Thursday, firing a scoreless two-thirds of an inning during which he didn't allow any hits or walks and did not record a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

Miller was called on to snuff out a Carlos Martinez-authored threat in the bottom of the ninth, and he was mostly effective in doing so. The veteran southpaw did surrender an RBI groundout to Jason Heyward that knotted the game at 4-4 , a run charged to Martinez. By subsequently inducing an inning-ending flyout from Nico Hoerner, Miller indirectly positioned himself as the pitcher of record and subsequently notched his first victory since July 26, a string of 19 appearances prior to Friday. It's been an eventful month for Miller, who's recorded five holds and Thursday's win but also allowed five runs (four earned) across 5.2 innings over eight September appearances.

Miller was credited with his 25th hold in a win over the Rockies on Thursday, firing a scoreless two-thirds of an inning during which he issued a walk, uncorked a wild pitch, hit a batter and recorded two strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

Miller's rather eventful scoreless relief outing nevertheless garnered him yet another hold, although he needed Carlos Martinez to bail him out of a mess after the closer came on with two on and one out in the seventh. Miller put Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon on base via a walk and hit by pitch, respectively, and then advanced both runners courtesy of a wild pitch. The veteran southpaw may already have three holds in September, but he's been far from sharp, allowing four earned runs across the two innings he's logged over four appearances thus far during the month.

Miller could be a candidate for the closer's role to open the 2020 season if Carlos Martinez is able to secure a spot in the starting rotation during spring training, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The left-handed veteran has plenty of ninth-inning experience, having recorded 58 saves over 71 opportunities across the last six seasons. However, Miller only served as a closer in an extended capacity during one of those years, a memorable 2015 campaign in which he converted 36 of 38 save chances for the Yankees. Miller could end up in a ninth-inning platoon with John Gant or Giovanny Gallegos over the first few months of the 2020 season if Martinez returns to starting and Jordan Hicks (elbow) isn't available until midseason, as expected.

Miller issued a walk over 1.1 scoreless innings Monday, striking out a batter and earning his fifth save against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Miller had his stuff working Monday as the only batter to reach base against him was Christian Yelich who earned an intentional walk. The 34-year-old lefty is now 5-of-7 in save chances to go along with his 19 holds. He should continue getting a few save opportunities here and there based on matchups.

Miller allowed one run on one hit with a strikeout during the ninth inning in an 11-9 victory to earn a save against the Pirates on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The 34-year-old allowed his ninth homer, bumping his HR/9 to 2.1, but fortunately for the Cardinals, this home run didn't change the outcome of the game. Miller isn't the same dominating pitcher he once was, and he's been struggling lately, allowing three runs in his last 2.1 innings. He is 4-4 with four saves, 3.92 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 54 strikeouts in 39 innings this season.