Phillies' top prospect Aidan Miller sidelined with sore back

The 21-year-old infielder is expected to return to games later in spring training.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 6:40pm

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Phillies top prospect Aidan Miller has been largely confined to training room work as he deals with a sore lower back. Miller, who was a long shot to make the opening-day roster, was expected to get reps at third base, second base, and shortstop in preparation for a potential midseason call-up. The root of the soreness is unclear, but Miller says it's not a specific incident and he felt similar issues late last season.

Why it matters

Miller is one of the Phillies' top young talents, and his development is crucial for the team's future. While he wasn't expected to make the opening-day roster, his ability to get reps at multiple infield positions during spring training was seen as an important step in his progression toward a potential midseason call-up.

The details

Miller awoke one day last week with a 'super tight' back, and the Phillies have decided to take a few days off to let it relax. Miller says the back is 'getting better' but he's unsure of an exact timeline for his return to games. The Phillies won't rush him back, but Miller is hopeful he'll get into some games towards the end of spring training.

  • Miller awoke with a sore back last week.
  • The Phillies decided to take a few days off to let Miller's back relax.
  • Miller is hopeful he'll get into some games towards the end of spring training.

The players

Aidan Miller

A 21-year-old infield prospect in the Phillies' farm system who was expected to get reps at multiple positions during spring training in preparation for a potential midseason call-up.

Bryce Harper

The face of the Phillies, who has been keeping tabs on Miller's injury status.

Luke Murton

The Phillies' farm director, who previously said Miller had 'some nagging things physically' last year.

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What they’re saying

“I was like, 'Oh, that's pretty cool.' He's talking about me on the broadcast.”

— Aidan Miller

“We decided to take a couple of days off to just kind of let it relax, and now, I'm kind of building back. I feel like I'm in a better spot than I was. It's getting better.”

— Aidan Miller

What’s next

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The takeaway

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