Seattle Mariners Provide Update on Young Fireballer Bryce Miller
The Seattle Mariners lost to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night, 15-4. It was one of the most embarrassing losses in a season full of them for Seattle, but it actually started out quite positive.
The Mariners took a 4-0 lead on Rays ace Shane McClanahan and M's starting pitcher Bryce Miller was rolling. He struck out six batters and his elevated fastball was dominating the Rays hitters. But then, in the fourth inning, it was evident that he was dealing with a blister. Both his command and velocity waned and Randy Arozarena took him deep for a two-run homer. Miller was forced to leave with the blister and finished the outing with 3.1 innings pitched, the two runs allowed and the six strikeouts. He lowered his ERA to 3.97.
Then, the Rays pummeled Mariners pitching for 13 more runs to win the game 15-4. After the game, Mariners manager Scott Servais provided a tough update on Miller, adding injury to insult.
Per M's website "Lookout Landing" on Twitter:
Servais says the blister on Miller’s finger is “significant” and there is concern he’ll miss his next start.
Miller has been a major part of this season for the M's in the wake of injuries to Robbie Ray and Marco Gonzales. The only positive is that with the All-Star Break, the team could use a spot starter and allow Miller to get healthy and only have him miss the one start.
Just 24 years-old, skipping a start might not be the worst thing for the Mariners and Miller, who undoubtedly is going to have his workload monitored.
The Mariners and Rays will play again on Saturday night at 7:15 p.m. ET.
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