In an unfortunate turn of events for the Oakland Athletics, their All-Star closer Mason Miller is set to miss some time due to a broken pinky in his left hand. The injury occurred under rather unusual circumstances after the A's 4-0 victory over the Houston Astros. The relief pitcher suffered the fracture by pounding his fist on a padded table in a moment of intensity post-game.
During Monday’s appearance, Miller showcased his usual electrifying form, firing 11 pitches that averaged an incredible 101.4 mph. He made quick work of the opposition, retiring all three batters he faced in the game. The injury, therefore, comes as a blow not just for its timing but its suddenness, especially given Miller's recent performance and his contributions throughout the season.
Miller has been a linchpin in the Athletics' bullpen, boasting a 2.21 ERA with an impressive tally of 70 strikeouts in just 40 2/3 innings. His proficiency in converting saves has also been a highlight, successfully locking down 15 out of 17 save opportunities this season. His stats speak to his dominance and reliability in high-pressure situations, making his impending absence even more concerning for the A's.
As the July 30 trade deadline nears, Miller's name has been frequently floated as a prime trade candidate. This injury complicates those discussions but doesn’t entirely derail them. "Players on the injured list can still be traded," a point often reiterated by analysts. Manager Mark Kotsay's words offer some perspective on the injury’s impact: "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." The sentiment underscores the randomness and minor severity of the injury in the grand scheme of things.
Adding to this narrative, trade write-ups have emphasized that Miller’s market value remains high despite the injury. "It won’t be because teams don’t want him after this injury. This is nothing." Another trade write-up pointed out, "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."
Stepping into the void left by Miller will be Lucas Erceg, who is expected to assume the closer role temporarily. The Athletics, currently sitting with a season record of 41-63, will undoubtedly feel the loss of Miller but will look to Erceg to stabilize the back end of the bullpen in his absence.
The timing of this injury coincides with crucial upcoming series against formidable opponents, including the San Francisco Giants on July 30-31 and the Los Angeles Dodgers from August 2-4. These games present significant challenges, and the Athletics will need all hands on deck, even more so now with Miller sidelined.
Despite the setback, Miller’s record this season has more than proven his mettle. The resilience he’s displayed on the mound is something the team and its fans can take solace in, as they await his recovery and evaluate trade scenarios. The Athletics' strategy moving forward will be closely watched, both in terms of game outcomes and potential trade maneuvers as the deadline approaches.