Oakland A's Closer Mason Miller Out with Broken Pinky
The Oakland Athletics received a blow to their bullpen as All-Star closer Mason Miller will be sidelined due to a fracture in his left pinky. The injury occurred in an unusual manner: Miller suffered the break after pounding his fist on a padded table following the Athletics' 4-0 victory over the Houston Astros. The misfortune couldn’t have come at a worse time as the A's prepare for crucial upcoming series and look towards the trade deadline.
Manager Mark Kotsay provided a glimpse of empathy mixed with frustration. "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," Kotsay said.
In Monday’s game, Miller showcased the arsenal that has turned him into one of the most electrifying closers in the league. With pitches averaging 101.4 mph, he retired all three batters faced in his appearance, a testament to his dominant form this season. Miller has posted a 2.21 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings and has converted 15 saves out of 17 opportunities this season.
As the July 30 trade deadline looms, Miller has frequently been mentioned as a prime trade candidate. While his recent injury might raise concerns, insiders emphasize that it won't deter suitors. "It won't be because teams don't want him after this injury. This is nothing," noted a trade write-up. Such confidence is echoed by many who believe his exceptional skill set overshadows this temporary setback.
It's a double-edged sword for the Athletics. On one hand, Miller’s performance makes him a valuable asset in any potential trade, potentially bringing substantial returns to a team already struggling with a 41-63 record. On the other hand, losing such a formidable closer, even temporarily, spells trouble for a bullpen that leans heavily on his prowess.
The Athletics now turn to Lucas Erceg, who is likely to assume the closer's role in Miller's absence. Erceg will have large shoes to fill, and his performance could be critical in keeping the Athletics competitive, particularly in their upcoming series against the San Francisco Giants on July 30-31 and the Los Angeles Dodgers from August 2-4.
The fact that players on the injured list can still be traded adds another layer of complexity to the Athletics’ decision-making process. One trade analysis highlights the perennial debate about 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."
For now, the Athletics will have to navigate their schedule without their All-Star closer, relying on the collective effort of their bullpen and the interim leadership of Erceg. Fans and analysts alike will keenly watch how the team maneuvers through this turbulent period and makes decisions that could shape their roster and fortunes in the seasons ahead.
Mason Miller’s predicament serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. For the Athletics, it is a blend of immediate challenges and long-term considerations, each carrying weighty implications for the team's trajectory.