The Oakland Athletics find themselves grappling with a major blow as their All-Star closer Mason Miller will be sidelined due to a broken pinky in his left hand. The injury occurred in a rather unexpected manner, during a post-game celebration following the Athletics' 4-0 victory over the Houston Astros. In a moment of jubilant energy, Miller pounded his fist on a padded table, resulting in the fracture.
Manager Mark Kotsay reflected on the 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."
Impressive Performance
Mason Miller’s absence is a significant setback given his remarkable performance this season. During Monday's game against the Astros, Miller threw 11 pitches, averaging an impressive 101.4 mph. He retired all three batters he faced, reinforcing his reputation as a dominant force on the mound. Over the season, Miller boasts a stellar 2.21 ERA, coupled with 70 strikeouts over 40 2/3 innings. His efficiency in closing games is evident with 15 saves out of 17 opportunities.
Trade Speculations Stir
Despite the injury, trade chatter surrounding Miller remains active, particularly as the July 30 trade deadline looms. Analysts suggest that his recent injury won't deter interested teams. As one trade write-up noted, "It won't be because teams don't want him after this injury. This is nothing."
There is a growing sentiment that the Athletics may benefit from trading Miller this summer. Another trade write-up elaborated, "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."
Next Man Up: Lucas Erceg
With Miller’s unexpected hiatus, the closing duties are likely to fall on Lucas Erceg, who will have big shoes to fill. The Athletics’ current season record of 41-63 places them in a challenging position, and the team needs consistent performance from its bullpen to navigate the upcoming series successfully.
Meanwhile, the Athletics are slated to face the San Francisco Giants in a two-game series on July 30-31, followed by a three-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers from August 2-4. These matchups will be critical as they aim to solidify their standing.
Injury List Trading Rules
It is worth noting that players on the injured list remain eligible for trades, which keeps the door open for potential deals involving Miller. The Athletics’ management will be closely considering their options as they approach the deadline.
Mason Miller’s injury is certainly a twist in the Athletics' season narrative, but the journey ahead still holds numerous possibilities. How the team maneuvers both on and off the field in the coming days will be crucial in shaping their course for the remainder of the season.