MLB Notes: Indians Have Andrew Miller Go on DL, Lose Josh Tomlin for 6 Weeks

BOSTON -- The Cleveland Indians' pitching staff has taken two big hits: All-Star reliever Andrew Miller is on the disabled list, and starter Josh Tomlin is out six weeks.

Miller was put on the DL on Wednesday with right knee tendinitis, an injury that could explain his recent wildness.

"We talked last night after the game. His knee's been bothering him for a while," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said before the AL Central leaders took on the Red Sox at Fenway Park. "The hope was you can manage it, and he was certainly more than willing.

"But, you know, not just he's yanking pitches, but then I watched him come down the steps and I was like, `man.' So we grabbed him after the game and talked for a while and then we said let's sleep on it. I kind of knew where this was going, and I think he did, too," he said (see full story).

Dodgers: Darvish eager to fit in with new teammates
ATLANTA -- Yu Darvish is eager to avoid making a bad first impression with his new Dodgers teammates.

Darvish, traded from Texas to Los Angeles for three prospects on Monday, joined the Dodgers on Wednesday. The four-time All-Star right-hander threw a bullpen session before Wednesday night's game against Atlanta and settled into his new clubhouse.

Speaking through a translator, the Japanese pitcher said he doesn't want to arrive at midseason, "do whatever you want to do and you're a bad teammate."

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Added Darvish: "I don't want to be that guy."

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, currently on the DL with a lower back strain, chatted with Darvish at last month's All-Star game. The conversation including a prediction from Kershaw that the two soon would be teammates.

"When I was talking with him he told me, `I'll be looking for you in about three weeks,' and it actually happened," Darvish said. "It's amazing" (see full story).

Nationals: All-Star closer Kintzler joins club, bolsters ‘pen
MIAMI -- All-Star closer Brandon Kintzler joined the Washington Nationals on Wednesday and shared with manager Dusty Baker his backstory, including three seasons pitching -- and even selling tickets -- in independent leagues.

"It was a very interesting conversation," Baker said. "This guy is probably the independent leagues' pinup boy. He has been through the bushes. I've always heard he's fearless, and now I see why. He has nothing to lose."

The Nationals barely beat the trade deadline Monday to acquire Kintzler, who made the AL All-Star team this season and saved 28 games for the Minnesota Twins. He joins a team with championship aspirations that has built a big lead in the NL East despite the league's worst bullpen ERA.

Kintzler was anticipating a chance to pitch Wednesday night against the Marlins. He spent seven years in the minors before making the majors, and said he was mindful of that while pitching in the All-Star Game last month, also in Miami.

"When I got traded over here I thought, it's going to be the same thing," he said. "I get to come to the big stage with a great team. You never know -- pitching in the World Series is a privilege we all work for."

Brewers: Jeffress glad to rejoin club … again
MILWAUKEE -- Jeremy Jeffress and the Milwaukee Brewers just can't seem to quit each other.

Jeffress was back in the Brewers' clubhouse Wednesday for his third stint with the team. Milwaukee reacquired him on Monday from Texas in exchange for minor-league pitcher Tayler Scott.

"It's definitely a homecoming, man," Jeffress said. "I've always felt comfortable when I'm in this atmosphere in this place. Milwaukee's been nothing but good to me. I'm just glad to be back."

The 29-year-old right-hander, who was with the club in 2010 and from 2014-2016, was traded to the Rangers along with catcher Jonathan Lucroy last August. The Brewers brought him back to bolster their bullpen for a playoff push (see full story).

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