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Former Dodgers reliever Justin Miller, 35, found dead

Former Dodgers pitcher Justin Miller, who played with the team in 2010, was found dead Wednesday night, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office spokesman.
(Mark Duncan / Associated Press)
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Torrance’s Justin Miller, the highly tattooed right-handed reliever who appeared in 19 games for the Dodgers in 2010, was found dead Wednesday night in Palm Harbor, Fla., according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Authorities told The Times that Miller, 35, was discovered shortly after 10:30 p.m. but they were still determining the cause of death. A Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office spokesman would not say where his body was found.

Miller pitched in parts of seven seasons in the major leagues, most recently for the Dodgers. When the Dodgers released him July 22, 2010, they called up closer Kenley Jansen for the first time.

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Miller began his career with the Toronto Blue Jays as a starting pitcher. In his seven seasons in the majors, he went 24-14 with a 4.82 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP.

He may have been best known for his heavily tattooed body. They went down both arms and in 2004 MLB required him to wear long sleeves on the mound after hitters complained they were distracted by the tats. The requirement became known as the “Justin Miller Rule.”

In his half-season with the Dodgers, Miller did not have a decision in 24 1/3 innings, striking out 30 and walking eight.

Miller was born in Torrance, played for Torrance in the Little League World Series, for Torrance High School and for Los Angeles Harbor College.

Miller was married and the father of two sons, Joseph, 18, and Johnnie, 7.

“I think he’d want the world to know that he always did his best at work and at being a dad,” his wife, Jessica Miller told The Times. “He always tried.”

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