Agreement buys Wade Miley and the Brewers some extra time

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Brewers pitcher Wade Miley leaves the game with a groin injury Wednesday.

PHOENIX - It's tough to take any positives away from the groin strain that cost Wade Miley a spot on the Milwaukee Brewers' opening-day roster.

But on Thursday afternoon the two parties made the best of a bad situation, coming to an agreement that will keep the left-hander with the organization until he's once again healthy.

"That’s what I wanted all along," said Miley. "Obviously the business side of it was able to work out, but I’m happy to be here. I don’t want to deal with anything else, make any changes at this point.

"I’m just looking forward to getting healthy and getting back on the field."

Miley, 31, had the right to opt out of his contract on Thursday, the day after he strained his left groin attempting to field a bunt in his start against the Oakland A's.

Now, he'll remain at the Brewers' Maryvale facility and rehabilitate for what's expected to be two to four weeks. Miley will pitch in a minor-league game or two once he's fully recovered, then rejoin the Brewers to determine whether he's a fit for the starting rotation.

"We have a good understanding that our goal with Wade is to get him back to health," general manager David Stearns said. "At that point, both sides will have decisions to make, and we’ll be able to move forward."

Miley compiled a 4.95 ERA in six spring appearances (five starts) with 21 strikeouts in 20 innings.

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He had one blowup start in which he allowed 10 hits and seven runs over three innings on March 16, but otherwise pitched well. As recently as earlier in the week it appeared as Miley and Brent Suter had all but locked up the two open spots in the rotation.

Now Suter, Brandon Woodruff and Junior Guerra are jockeying for position while Miley tries to return to health and get himself back into the mix as quickly as possible.

"Hopefully I can get back on the mound shortly," Miley said. "I know they said don’t push it, but I’m the type that wants to push it and get back out there. It doesn’t really feel bad at all, so it’s kind of frustrating. But at the same time they’ve got to go by what the MRI said and play the safe route, I guess.

"It’s a lot of fun in here. Who wouldn’t want to be on this squad? I think these guys are going to be really, really good."