Miller's versatility becoming critical with exits of Kintzler, Kelley

Reliever Justin Miller pitched a scoreless seventh inning Thursday night, taking over for starter Max Scherzer in the Nationals 10-4 win over the Reds in the series opener.

He allowed one two-out single, but then got Jose Peraza to pop up weakly to catcher Matt Wieters to end the inning. Wieters bumped fists with Miller as if to say 'good job!" as the big right-hander worked his way back to the dugout.

It symbolized the importance of Miller to the Nationals relieving corps. His position has now elevated with the release of Shawn Kelley and the trade of Brandon Kintzler - a pair of reliable relievers that have moved on. Wander Suero and Jimmy Cordero don't bring the experience to the table that Miller offers, and Nationals manager Davey Martinez sees the versatility of Miller as a major plus to his bullpen. Martinez likes that Miller can pitch in high leverage situations and go multiple innings.

I asked Martinez if he felt Miller might be a candidate to take over the seventh inning role with Kintzler now on the Cubs and the injury that has closer Sean Doolittle on the disabled list.

"Throughout the course of the year he's been in some big moments for us, whether it's the fifth inning, sixth inning, seventh inning," Martinez said. "That's what I see out of him. Game in progress we're in a big moment I feel really confident putting him in there, I really do.

"Just so happens now (Thursday) was the seventh inning. But he knows, I've talked to him. When the sixth inning rolls around and we're in a big situation, that's going to be you, you or (Ryan Madson), or (Sammy) Solís, or something like that."

One run of usage that stands out as an example of Miller's ability to pitch multiple games was the four-game series against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park that ended July 1. Yes, he did give up the walk-off homer in the 13th inning of the final game, but he did throw 35 pitches in 1 1/3 innings of that game. Plus, it was his third consecutive appearance. He threw 1 1/3 innings the previous game. That was after one full inning June 29.

"He's been unbelievable," Martinez said. "Great teammate too. And he will pitch every day, pitch multiple innings if you ask him. Doesn't complain about anything. Sometimes I have to tell him, 'hey, you're off'. You've just thrown two innings or whatever. He came up to me I remember after the Phillies thing, he said 'I'll probably just need a day off, I'll be good'. I said, 'hey, you might need a couple of days off'. I appreciate you very much. That's the kind of guy he is."

Miller (6-1) has allowed only three hits in the last 28 batters faced for a .107 average against. He has six wins which is tied for the best amongst National League relievers. He has 43 strikeouts, which is two away from his career-high.

All these statistics point to Miller as another prime illustration of general manager Mike Rizzo's ability to find quality pitchers and he could play a very significant role for the Nationals in their quest to make the NL East division interesting up to the September 30th regular season finale.