An All-Star pitcher who was probably going to be traded this week broke his hand while punching a table in frustration.
Mason Miller, 25, is one of the most electric pitchers in Major League Baseball. The first-year closer can reach 103 mph with his fastball and has a 2.21 ERA and 0.84 WHIP through 34 games.
Miller has racked up 15 saves for the Oakland Athletics and struck out an incredible 70 batters in 40.2 innings.
But a closer can only be so valuable for a 41-63 ball club, so Miller was widely expected to be traded before the July 30 deadline. The Athletics would have gotten a huge haul for the reliever, who is under team control for four more seasons after 2024.
It’s possible Miller could still be dealt, but that situation is much more complicated after the Athletics announced he’s been placed on the injured list with a broken left hand.
A’s beat writer Martin Gallegos reports the injury happened when Miller slammed his hand against a padded training room table Monday. The A’s beat the Houston Astros 8-2 that night.
Pitching is in high demand and short supply this week, so the apparent loss of Miller (at least for awhile) is another complication for contenders looking to strengthen their bullpens for a playoff run.
Per source, A's will place All-Star closer Mason Miller on the injured list today with a fracture of the fifth metacarpal (pinkie) in his left hand. It's a non-pitching injury he suffered after pounding a padded training room table in frustration following Monday night's win.
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) July 25, 2024