In a blow to the Oakland Athletics, their All-Star closer Mason Miller will be sidelined after sustaining a broken pinky in his left hand. The injury occurred in an unusual incident following the A's 4-0 victory over the Houston Astros. Miller, in a moment of exuberance, pounded his fist on a padded table, resulting in the fracture.
"We've all been there, done that. Unfortunately, it resulted in a fracture in his non-pitching hand where his pinky area is," shared the team's manager, Mark Kotsay, reflecting a sentiment that many can relate to moments of high emotion.
A Stellar Season Interrupted
Before his injury, Miller was having an exceptional season. In his appearance on Monday, he showcased his dominant form, throwing 11 pitches that averaged 101.4 mph and retiring all three batters he faced. His stats for the season are equally impressive: a 2.21 ERA with 70 strikeouts in just 40 2/3 innings. Additionally, Miller has successfully converted 15 saves out of 17 opportunities, marking him as one of the top closers in the league.
Miller's aggressive pitching style and consistently high velocity have made him a critical asset for the Athletics. His performance has been instrumental in several of the team's victories, making his sudden absence a significant blow as the A's navigate the remainder of the season.
Trade Talks and Future Prospects
Despite the injury, Miller's future remains a hot topic as the July 30 trade deadline approaches. He has frequently been mentioned as a prime trade candidate, with several teams likely eyeing his impressive profile. According to a trade write-up, "It won't be because teams don't want him after this injury. This is nothing."
Another trade write-up speculated on Miller’s future: "Does that sound like the kind of profile that's built to last? 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."
With the Athletics holding a season record of 41-63, the team is likely to consider all options, including potential trades, which could offer long-term benefits despite Miller's current injury. Notably, players on the injured list can still be traded, ensuring that Miller remains a valuable asset on the market.
Next Steps for the A's
Lucas Erceg is likely to assume the closer's role in Miller's absence. While Erceg's performances will be critical in the upcoming series, the team will miss Miller's reliability and dominance on the mound. The Athletics are scheduled for a series against the San Francisco Giants on July 30-31, followed by a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers from August 2-4.
As the A's press on without their star closer, the team and fans alike will be hoping for a swift recovery for Miller. His performance this season has shown that, despite the setback, his potential remains sky-high. Whether he continues to pitch for the A's or takes his talents to another team, Miller's narrative continues to be one of remarkable talent and resilience.