CLEVELAND � Cleveland Indians pitcher Adam Miller underwent the first stage of reconstructive surgery on his right middle finger, a procedure that doesn't guarantee he will pitch again.

Miller, once considered the top prospect in Cleveland's system, had the flexor tendon in his finger repaired during a 2�-hour operation by Dr. Tom Graham at the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore. Miller will have the next stage in approximately three months, the team said Wednesday.

Miller's rehab is expected to take 6 to 9 months.

The 24-year-old, who went 15-6 in 2006 at Double-A Akron, has been limited to 25 games the past two seasons because of problems with his finger.