Mason Miller Sidelined with Broken Pinky After A's Victory
The Oakland Athletics will have to navigate the upcoming weeks without their All-Star closer Mason Miller, who sustained a broken pinky on his left hand in a rare moment of frustration. The injury occurred after Miller, in an apparent display of excess adrenaline, pounded his fist on a padded table following the A's 4-0 victory over the Houston Astros.
Manager Mark Kotsay addressed the unfortunate incident, stating, "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."
Miller's performance in the game was nothing short of electrifying, as he threw 11 pitches averaging an impressive 101.4 mph. His dominance on the mound continued as he retired all three batters he faced. This outing adds to what has been an outstanding season for Miller, who boasts a 2.21 ERA with 70 strikeouts over 40 2/3 innings. Additionally, Miller has successfully converted 15 out of 17 save opportunities this season, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top closers in the game.
Despite the injury, Miller's situation does little to dampen the trade rumors swirling around him. As the July 30 deadline approaches, Miller is frequently mentioned as a prime trade candidate. The uncertainty surrounding his future with the Athletics adds an intriguing layer to his already stellar season. A trade write-up suggests that this injury will not deter teams from pursuing Miller: "It won't be because teams don't want him after this injury. This is nothing."
Another write-up delves deeper into the A's roster-management strategy, recommending a potential trade for the powerhouse closer: "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."
In Miller’s absence, Lucas Erceg is likely to step into the closer's role, an opportunity that will test Erceg's mettle in high-leverage situations. The Athletics, currently holding a 41-63 record, will undoubtedly miss Miller’s prowess as they face challenging opponents in the immediate future. The team heads into series against the San Francisco Giants on July 30-31 followed by a showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers from August 2-4.
It's worth noting that players on the injured list can still be traded, a fact that keeps the possibility of a transaction involving Miller alive. Whether he stays or goes, Miller’s remarkable talent and the drama surrounding his situation ensure that he remains a key figure in this season's narrative.
The coming days will reveal how the Athletics navigate these choppy waters and whether Miller will find himself wearing a different jersey post-trade deadline. For now, the team and its fans can only hope that their star closer makes a swift and full recovery from this unexpected setback.