Miller's test run a success

"They feel I need one more," added Miller, who pitched before a McCoy Stadium gathering of 2,904, plus Epstein, Wallace, and other Sox executives seated behind home plate. "That's their call. I'm going to have to deal with it."

However, Epstein, in an e-mail late last night, said Miller will pitch again Tuesday for Pawtucket, and "nothing has been determined beyond that."

"Wade took another step forward in his rehab tonight," Epstein said. "He's building arm strength while gaining comfort with some mechanical adjustments that he's made. He's throwing all his pitches and commanding them, for the most part. He's working hard and making progress, but he's not quite all the way back yet."

The fact that Miller is even in position to be pleading for a big-league start is welcome news, given that the Sox will go into the weekend with Curt Schilling (ankle) and David Wells (foot) on the disabled list, and given the general uncertainty that has surrounded Miller since he signed with the club this offseason.

Miller is 58-39 with a 3.87 ERA in his career, and his price tag alone ($1.5 million guaranteed) leaves some questions about his rotator cuff in the minds of anyone in touch with the market for starting pitching.

But Miller has now started three minor league games and given up only three runs in 14 2/3 innings, while approaching his normal velocity. Miller worked his two previous rehab starts at Single A, with Sox affiliates in Greenville, S.C., and Wilmington, N.C., and gave up three runs in those starts, including a solo homer in each game.

The 28-year-old was on a 75-pitch count in both Single A appearances, then 90 last night. Still, his pitch count has been somewhat static. He went 73 pitches in his rehab debut with Greenville, 67 with Wilmington a week ago Monday, then 79 (53 strikes) last night.

Rain fell during his final inning last night, the fifth, and the Sox opted to get him those last 11 pitches, to reach 90, in a bullpen session rather than on the field.