In an unfortunate turn of events, the Oakland Athletics will be without their All-Star closer Mason Miller for the foreseeable future due to a broken pinky in his left hand. The injury occurred under frustrating circumstances post-game when Miller pounded his fist on a padded table following the A's 4-0 triumph over the Houston Astros.
Despite the unusual nature of his injury, Miller’s performance on the mound this season has been nothing short of exceptional. In Monday's game, Miller exhibited his usual high-octane arsenal, throwing 11 pitches that averaged an impressive 101.4 mph. His powerful performance included retiring all three batters he faced, adding yet another solid outing to his 2023 season résumé.
A Season of Stellar Performance
Miller has been a dominant force out of the bullpen this year, boasting a 2.21 ERA and recording 70 strikeouts in just 40 2/3 innings. Furthermore, he has successfully converted 15 of 17 save opportunities, establishing himself as a reliable closer in tight situations. His remarkable strikeout numbers and ability to close games have made him a cornerstone of the A’s relief corps.
However, as the July 30 trade deadline approaches, Miller is frequently mentioned as a prime trade candidate. "Does that sound like the kind of profile that's built to last?" a trade write-up posed, emphasizing Miller’s unique, electrifying approach on the mound. "Again, hopefully, Miller finds a way; his particular brand of pyrotechnics makes him one of the most exciting watches in the game. From a roster-management perspective, however, it feels wise for the A's to pursue a trade this summer."
Add to that, "It won't be because teams don't want him after this injury. This is nothing," another trade analyst noted. This sentiment speaks to Miller's value in the market despite the temporary setback.
Next Man Up
With Miller sidelined, the closing duties will likely fall to Lucas Erceg. Manager Mark Kotsay acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but remained optimistic. "We've all been there, done that. Unfortunately, it resulted in a fracture in his non-pitching hand in his left hand where his pinky area is," Kotsay explained. Despite the setback, the A’s will hope Erceg can fill in effectively during Miller’s absence.
Currently sitting at a season record of 41-63, the Athletics face crucial upcoming series against the San Francisco Giants on July 30-31 and the Los Angeles Dodgers from August 2-4. These matchups could prove pivotal as the team navigates through injuries and trade discussions.
Trade Implications
The injury to Miller’s non-pitching hand does not preclude him from being traded, as players on the injured list are still eligible for trades. Given his stellar performance and the interest he has generated around the league, it wouldn't be surprising to see teams still keen on acquiring his services notwithstanding this minor setback.
Throughout the situation, one theme remains clear: Mason Miller is a valuable asset. His dynamic presence on the mound and exceptional statistics have solidified his status as one of the top closers in the game, making him a sought-after player as the trade deadline looms large. As he embarks on his recovery, both the Athletics and potential suitors will be closely monitoring his health and readiness to return to action.
The Athletics will continue their season with the aim of improving their record, relying on both the depth of their bullpen and the leadership within their club to weather this latest challenge. While the loss of Miller is undoubtedly a significant blow, the team’s resilience will be tested as they strive to remain competitive in the upcoming series and beyond.