The reinforcements are coming for Seattle. Not just on the offensive side with Victor Robles and Luke Raley on their rehab stints, but also on the pitching side with Bryce Miller nearing his return.
Bryce Miller struggled out of the gate this season, posting a 5.73 ERA over 10 starts. He struck out 39 with 23 walks. It still wasn’t the version of Miller that the Mariners had seen a season ago. The struggles can be attributed to a decrease in velocity. His elbow was hurting in between starts, but he pushed through when the Mariners were without Logan Gilbert and George Kirby. When Kirby was nearing his return, the Mariners placed Miller on the IL for the first time this season with right elbow inflammation. It was also revealed that Miller had a bone spur in his pitching elbow. He received a cortisone shot and was activated two weeks later, and made two starts before landing on the IL for the second time.
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The second time around, the Mariners have been cautious. Giving Miller as much time as he needs to return to the majors. He threw his first live batting practice on July 19 and has progressed from there.
Since July 31st, Miller has made three consecutive rehab starts for the Mariners’ Triple-A Squad, the Tacoma Rainiers. The news coming out of the starts has been positive. The velocity is there.
Bryce Miller Rehab
In his start on Wednesday, August 13, Miller tossed four perfect innings before giving up a hit in the fifth. The Mariners were hoping to get him up around 80-to-85 pitches. He ended the game with 76 pitches through 5 2/3 innings as he picked up his first PCL Win. He allowed two runs on two hits, walked one and struck out four. His fastball was hitting upper-90s the entire game, with an average of 96.7 MPH. It had topped out at 98.1 MPH.
Although Seattle has not confirmed yet, that start was likely the last for Bryce Miller on his rehab assignment. The next step would be his return to the Mariners rotation. When he is activated, the Mariners will need to clear a spot on the active roster for Miller. The likely move would be sending Rookie Logan Evans down to Tacoma.
The Mariners have one of the best starting rotations in baseball. If Miller can get remotely close to his 2024 form, it would help them out immensely down the stretch.
