Despite the Oakland Athletics still struggling as a losing team, Mason Miller has been a standout player with his high-end fastballs and slider that has caught the attention of opponents like the New York Yankees. Facing off against notable hitters like Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Anthony Volpe, Miller has impressed with his pitch arsenal and ability to generate strikeouts.
In his recent appearances against the Yankees, Miller showcased his impressive fastball clocked at over 100 mph and his slider that has been effective in getting batters to swing and miss. Despite giving up a relatively hard-hit single to Volpe, Miller was able to shut down Soto and Judge, two formidable sluggers in the Yankees’ lineup.
After facing Miller, Juan Soto showed his frustration by lightly slamming his bat and acknowledging Miller’s skill on the mound. Miller himself acknowledges that his fastball-slider combination is his go-to pitch mix and has been effective in securing saves for the A’s.
In his brief appearances as a closer, Miller has shown his ability to dominate hitters with his high velocity pitches and has recorded 15 strikeouts in just six save opportunities. His fastball consistently hitting over 100 mph has put him among the top pitchers in various Statcast metrics, showcasing his impressive pitching abilities.
Despite concerns about the sustainability of throwing at such high speeds, especially given injury history, Miller has managed to stay healthy and effective in his role as a closer. With the support of his manager Mark Kotsay, Miller has embraced his role in the bullpen and brought energy and excitement to each appearance.
As the Athletics struggle with hitting and pitching issues, Mason Miller has emerged as a bright spot in the team’s bullpen. His dominant performances against top teams like the Yankees have garnered attention and praise from opponents like Aaron Boone, who have acknowledged his special fastball-slider combination and potential as a closer in the league. With Miller on the mound, the A’s have a reliable option to secure wins despite their overall struggles as a team.
