Mason Miller Sidelined with Broken Pinky, A's Look for Temporary Solution
The Oakland Athletics' season encounters another hurdle with the news that All-Star closer Mason Miller will be sidelined due to an unfortunate injury to his left hand. In a moment of frustration, Miller pounded his fist on a padded table after sealing the A’s 4-0 victory over the Houston Astros, resulting in a broken pinky on his non-pitching hand.
Manager Mark Kotsay expressed empathy for Miller's situation, stating, "We've all been there, done that. Unfortunately, it resulted in a fracture in his non-pitching hand where his pinky area is."
Miller's absence is a significant blow to the Athletics. His stats for the season are impressive: a 2.21 ERA, 70 strikeouts in just 40 2/3 innings, and 15 saves out of 17 opportunities. During Monday night's game, Miller was in peak form, retiring all three batters he faced with 11 pitches, averaging a blistering 101.4 mph.
Despite the setback, analysts remain optimistic about the potential for trades involving Miller, especially as the July 30 trading deadline approaches. "It won't be because teams don't want him after this injury. This is nothing," read one trade write-up on the subject. Another analysist noted, "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 clock ticking down to the crucial trading period, the Athletics will have to navigate through upcoming series against the San Francisco Giants (July 30-31) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (Aug. 2-4) without their star closer. Lucas Erceg is expected to step in and take on the closing duties in Miller’s absence. Erceg, who has shown potential, will have an opportunity to solidify his role on a team looking to improve its 41-63 season record.
The Athletics have had their share of challenges this season, and Miller’s injury is the latest obstacle in a series of unfortunate events. However, players on the injured list can still be traded, giving the A's some flexibility to find a solution that could benefit the team's long-term objectives.
As the Athletics gear up for their upcoming series, all eyes will be on how they adjust to the temporary loss of one of their key players. Mason Miller's absence will undoubtedly be felt, but his remarkable season to date has already cemented his reputation as one of the most formidable closers in the league. The trade rumors swirling around him serve as a testament to his abilities and potential impact on any team fortunate enough to call him their own.