
The Philadelphia Phillies received an encouraging update on top prospect Aidan Miller on Sunday as the young shortstop continues making progress in his recovery from back surgery. Interim manager Don Mattingly said Miller is building strength and moving closer to resuming baseball activities after spending the past several weeks rehabbing in Clearwater, Florida.
The update comes as Philadelphia continues its push in the National League playoff race. Miller has not appeared in a game this season after undergoing radiofrequency ablation surgery on June 5 to address lingering lower back issues that interrupted his spring and delayed his 2026 campaign.
Phillies Nation's Destiny Lugardo reported that Miller is progressing toward on-field baseball work, while catcher Rafael Marchan is also advancing through his rehab and is expected to begin appearing in minor league games later this week.
Don Mattingly said the last report on Aidan Miller is that he is still rehabbing and progressing to baseball activities.
— Destiny Lugardo (@destiny_lugardo) August 2, 2026
Miller entered the season as Philadelphia's top infield prospect after an impressive 2025 campaign across Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He hit .264 with a .392 on-base percentage, 14 home runs and 59 stolen bases in 116 games, solidifying himself as one of the organization's most promising young players.
Philadelphia entered Sunday with a 58-53 record, sitting second in the National League East and holding a National League Wild Card position. While Miller is not expected to contribute in the majors this season, his continued recovery remains important to the club's long-term plans.
The Phillies originally hoped Miller could position himself for a major league opportunity this year before his back injury altered that timeline. Sunday's update suggests he is finally moving toward the next phase of his recovery after nearly two months focused on rehabilitation.
With the Monday trade deadline approaching, Philadelphia can continue building for both the present and the future while keeping one of its top prospects on track for a healthy return.
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