The Philadelphia Phillies moved quickly to calm concerns about prized prospect Aidan Miller after an unexpected comment from Bryce Harper sparked speculation.
During Sunday’s first Grapefruit League home game, Harper casually mentioned in a dugout interview that Miller wasn’t fully healthy — a remark that caught many fans off guard.
Miller, ranked as the Phillies’ top prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 23 overall in baseball, has generated major buzz early in camp. The 21-year-old shortstop is widely viewed as a potential MLB debut candidate later this season, making his absence from Saturday’s lineup against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin somewhat puzzling. While fellow top prospect Justin Crawford impressed in his first start, many expected Miller to see early spring action as well.
Following a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in Clearwater, manager Rob Thomson clarified the situation. According to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, Miller has been dealing with minor back soreness and is being held out strictly as a precaution.
The organization is opting to take it slow, giving the young infielder treatment and easing him through the week. Thomson indicated that if Miller were feeling 100 percent, he would have played in Dunedin.
Reports suggest the soreness surfaced recently, and while Miller was hit by a pitch during live batting practice last week, it wasn’t in the back. Thomson didn’t completely dismiss the possibility that the discomfort could have come while avoiding that pitch, but there’s no indication of a serious injury.
With camp still in its early stages, the Phillies see no reason to rush one of their most valuable young assets. Thomson emphasized the team is simply being “super cautious” this early in spring training.
Miller is expected to see time at both shortstop and third base this spring and remains a key part of the organization’s long-term plans. Many believe he could eventually take over for Alec Bohm at third base — whether that transition happens later this season or in 2027 remains to be determined.
