Andrew Miller on his way back up to the bigs

PITTSBURGH -- The Marlins announced more than a few eye-opening moves after their 3-2 win over the Pirates Wednesday night.

The biggest shocker though is that they're recalling struggling left-hander Andrew Miller from Double A Jacksonville to pitch in the bullpen. Miller, who hasn't pitched in the big leagues since Sept. 22, 2009, has struggled all season in the minors. He's 2-9 with a 5.35 ERA over 21 starts between Single A Jupiter and Jacksonville.

To make room in the bullpen, the Marlins optioned left-handed specialist Taylor Tankersley to Triple A New Orleans. Tankersley was pounded in Monday's loss has a 7.50 ERA in 27 appearances this season. 

We had heard earlier in the night that left-hander Sean West might not start Thursday. It turned out to be true. The Marlins placed West (0-2, 7.71 ERA) on the disabled list with right knee inflammation and recalled right-hander Alex Sanabia (1-1, 4.63 ERA) from Triple A New Orleans to start in his place. Sanabia was 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA over 14 innings for the Zephyrs in two starts since being sent down July 31.

Manager Edwin Rodriguez said West hurt his knee running poles on Monday at PNC Park. 

The last bit of news: Veteran third baseman Wes Helms was signed to a one-year, $1 million extension through the 2011 season. The Marlins don't usually sign guys to extensions in the middle of the season. But Helms said it was something the club had been working on for weeks.

"I love it here, have a great relationship with the front office. I didn't want to test the market and have to start over somewhere else," Helms said. "Now, I'm going to go into spring training knowing where I'll be."

Helms, 35, has always had aspirations of coaching in the system once his career is over. It looks like this move was made to prepare him for that down the road. Listen to Helms talk about his plans for next year.

Here is what manager Edwin Rodriguez had to say about Josh Johnson's night.

Comments

[brg611]

amusing, both moves, very amusing. Helms stikes out every third at bat, Miller has not yet been able to be effective. just what the team needs, more pitchers who can't pitch and extension of a hitter who strikes out alot. genius.

[Lefty's Suck!]

I don't know which lefty is more amusing, Miller or West. Those two are such Douchebags!

[pumpsiegreen]

Looking forward to watching Miller get shellacked-that's if he can even find home plate , so they can cut him loose and admit they made mistake getting him in Cabrera trade...next mistake: batter-up... Maybin

[DC Marlin]

Andrew Miller = regressed
Sean West = regressed
Chris Volstad = regressed
Vandenhurk = regressed

Am I sensing a pettern here?

[NWFL fan]

If Miller is the best lefty we have in the minors, this club is in more trouble than I thought.

[E L]

Package deal: West, Miller, Tank, Helms and Nunez to Dodgers for Broxton. PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

[Villa26]

Come on Andrew!!!! This is your Second (or last) chance to show us what you can do!!!!
I believe in your talent!!!
Just focus on get on a nice rythm and you will have succes...
Good luck Andrew....
Go Fish!!!!
Hanley Sucks!!!!

[F.G.J. Ruiz-Alaniz]

Isn't Andrew Miller on one of those major league contracts where he's getting paid the same whether he's in the majors or minors? This is probably just another one of those cost saving measures...