This is not the rollercoaster Phillies fans want to ride on. Philadelphia's No. 1 prospect Aidan Miller has driven us all crazy with injury updates this season. The 21-year-old infielder has gone from beginning the year with back problems to hinting at positive updates along the way, signifying that he was getting better. But ultimately, it seems like we are right back at square one.
Phillies manager Don Mattingly shared that Miller is still dealing with a back injury — one so bad that he is apparently not swinging a bat (again), nor doing any sort of baseball activity. Miller has yet to play this season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, so following this update, we're in the dark on if he will play at all in 2026.
Update on Aidan Miller
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrPHL) May 6, 2026
He's still not swinging a bat yet.
Per Don Mattingly, Miller is not at baseball activity yet. #Phillies
What other Phillies prospect could save the franchise in 2026 after Aidan Miller injury?
There was hope that Miller would make his Major League Baseball debut this season. With guys like Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm struggling for the greater part of the year, someone like Miller was in our back pocket to potentially save the infield. But that may not happen.
So, who could Philadelphia turn to? Unfortunately, besides Miller, there are very few infielders within the Top 30 who are MLB ready. No. 6 Aroon Escobar needs another year or so to develop. No. 18 Carson DeMartini is striking out a little too often in Double-A for anyone to say that he will be a big-leaguer in 2026. No. 23 Juan Parra, No. 25 Romeli Espinosa, and No. 26 Matt Ferrara are all teenagers.
Basically, there are no other reinforcements in the minor leagues right now. The Phillies would have to trade for a middle infielder or third baseman if they want someone else in the starting lineup. Still, Phillies fans shouldn't panic. It's not like the team is one solid hitter away from fixing all of their problems. Miller cannot be the knight in shining armor, so we may as well not lose our minds over the back injury — at least for now. We can only hope that his back will get better for the long run, but all signs are pointing to Miller having a steep hurdle to overcome.
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