BOSTON -- The beleaguered Indians bullpen has taken a hit, as Andrew Miller landed on the 10-day disabled list on Wednesday with right knee tendinitis.

The Indians' rotation forced the bullpen into early action in the first two games of the club's series against the Red Sox. Mike Clevinger and Carlos Carrasco covered only 4 2/3 innings total in their starts.

Now, a taxed bullpen is absent its most effective piece.

The club recalled right-hander Adam Plutko from Triple-A Columbus to assume Miller's spot on the active roster.

Miller spent some time with Indians head athletic trainer James Quinlan in the visitor's clubhouse following Tuesday's game at Fenway Park. He has logged a 1.67 ERA this season, while limited the opposition to a .141/.223/.211 slash line. He did serve up a three-run double off the Green Monster to Eduardo Nunez on Tuesday night.

While the All-Star left-hander has stifled opponents all season, he has uncharacteristically walked 10 batters in his last 21 innings. He only walked nine batters during the entire 2016 regular season.

The Indians traded for Joe Smith on Monday to ease the burden on their back-end relievers. Smith tossed two scoreless innings in his 2017 Tribe debut on Tuesday. Cody Allen could not shut the door in the ninth, however, and the Indians dropped a 12-10 decision.

Tampa's Dan Jennings leads the American League with 52 appearances this season. Bryan Shaw (51), Miller (46) and Allen (44) aren't too far off the pace. Miller ranks tied for third in the AL in relief innings, with 54. He totaled 74 1/3 innings during the regular season last year, plus another 19 1/3 innings in the postseason. Miller also pitched for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in March.