Michael Grant

@MichaelGrant_CJ

Corky Miller’s season — quite possibly his playing career — is likely over.

The longtime Louisville Bats catcher is currently working as a roving minor league instructor within the Cincinnati Reds organization. Miller, who hasn’t played for the Bats since May, was recently in Billings, Mont., mentoring the Reds’ rookie league team.

“I don’t anticipate him coming back,” Bats manager Jim Riggleman said of the 38-year-old.

When asked if Miller’s professional career is over, Riggleman said: “You never know, but it looks like it’s moving in that direction.”

On May 22, the Bats placed Miller on the temporary inactive list, but he was moved to the disabled list June 13 with a lower back strain. However, he hasn’t been with the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate for months. Louisville is set at catcher with 23-year-old prospect Tucker Barnhart and 27-year-old Bryan Anderson. Miller has played 23 games this season, batting .190.

Before this season, Miller mulled over retirement and expressed interest in becoming a coach and possibly a manager.

“It’s certainly something that he can do,” Riggleman said. “If the opportunity arises, he’ll be well prepared to do it.”

Earlier this season, Miller, became Louisville’s all-time leader in games played (548) and doubles (99). Miller has had two stints for Louisville (2001-04 and 2009-2014). He played 17 games with Cincinnati last season. Miller originally signed with the Reds organization as an undrafted free agent in 1998 out of the University of Nevada.

“He’s meant a lot,” Riggleman said. “He’s not just a good leader. He’s a good player. We won a lot ball games with him catching. He’s had a great impact on the pitching staff and the other catchers who have come through here. He’s helped a lot of those guys who are in the big leagues. He’s had a great impact on the Reds organization.”

Contact Michael Grant at (502) 582-4069, and on Twitter @MichaelGrant_CJ.