WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Last season Andrew Miller was called up twice from Class AA to the Major Leagues. He was also called up once from Class AAA to The Show, and was also promoted from Class A to Class AA.

"Moving around and travel is part of the game," he said.

But the former University of North Carolina pitcher, who was traded by Detroit to Florida in December, certainly can deal with such transitions.

"You can't complain about the lifestyle here," said Miller, standing in the Florida clubhouse prior to a game in Washington, D.C. "That is why you want to be here. I think I have adjusted. I think I know how things operate and what to expect."

And what about all of those moves last season with the Tigers?

"I can't complain about it," said the 6-foot-6 lefty. "I got some good opportunities last year. When I first got called up from (Class A) Lakeland in 2006 it didn't seem real for awhile. It took awhile to sit in. It really happened so fast."

Miller, now a starter for the Marlins, was just placed on the disabled list with right knee tendinitis. But he has had some highlights this year, including allowing just two runs and four hits in a win over Greg Maddux and the San Diego Padres in early May. Of his 88 pitches in six innings in that game, 55 were for strikes.

"I kept my pitch count reasonable," he said. "I was able to give us a chance to win. I did use more off-speed pitches."

What was it like to beat Maddux, a future Hall of Famer?

"It didn't matter who was pitching. It was one of those things I will look back on," said Miller, who turned 23 last May.

Miller threw seven scoreless innings May 10 and teamed with two other pitchers as the Marlins beat Washington 11-0. He set a career high with innings pitched in a game, strikeouts and pitches thrown (103).

After suffering a four-game losing streak heading into this week's all-star break Miller is 5-9 this season with an ERA of 5.63 in 100.2 innings of work and 20 starts.

He has fanned 80 batters with 50 walks and already doubled his career win total after starting just 21 games in his first two seasons with Detroit.

The young pitcher has predictably been a bit up and down this year, but Florida management is confident he will continue to develop.

"We have to be patient with him," Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez told reporters after a rough outing in May.

Miller was taken as the sixth overall pick in the 2006 draft by the Tigers after helping UNC get to the College World Series. He pitched in just three games, covering five innings in the minor leagues, before he was promoted to Detroit that season.

He made eight appearances out of the bullpen in 2006 for the Tigers and was 0-1 with an ERA of 6.10.

Last season he was 5-5 with an ERA of 5.63 in 13 starts for the Tigers before being traded after the season in a deal that sent pitcher Dontrelle Willis to Detroit.

"I was totally shocked," Miller said. "I started to hear rumors during the day. You never think it would happen to you."

Still, Miller didn't let the change of scenery dent his confidence.

"It happened, so there is nothing I can do about it," he said. "I think it has worked out well."

Miller throws a fastball, slider and change up. He said he throws more fastballs than most pitchers, but adds his change up "is coming along and is a useful pitch."

Florida bullpen coach Steve Foster, a former pitcher for the Reds, noted that Miller's off-speed pitches are beginning to gel, and Foster felt Miller's win over Maddux could be a turning point for the southpaw.

Florida has a new pitching coach in Mark Wiley, a former Oriole pitching coach. Wiley took over for former Marlins pitching coach Rick Kranitz, who strangely now has the same position in Baltimore.

"In spring training we worked a lot on mechanics," Miller said. "You always have to make adjustments. That is the way the game is. He gave me all kinds of stuff (to focus on). I am trying to take it all in."

Miller said he keeps in touch with several of his former UNC teammates, including both those who have "real jobs" and those that play pro baseball.

What are Miller's best memories of Chapel Hill?

"There are a lot of them. But it is hard to beat going to the (College) World Series."