Closer Mason Miller is not only giving Athletics fans something to be excited about, but he’s also making history.
The Oakland Athletics have had the best bullpen in baseball over the past week, and closer Mason Miller’s historic start is a big reason for this. The 25-year-old right-hander recorded his eighth save of the season on Tuesday and made baseball history. Mason Miller is the first pitcher in MLB history to have eight saves and 20 strikeouts in any span of eight regular season games.
A complete list of every pitcher in MLB history to have 8 saves and 20 strikeouts in any span of 8 regular season games:
Mason Miller
That’s it. That’s the list. pic.twitter.com/DPSWHBTa4m
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) May 1, 2024
Miller made his MLB debut with the Athletics last season, going 0-3 with a 3.78 ERA through 10 games. Six of his appearances last year were starts, and he moved to the bullpen after suffering a right UCL sprain. To protect his health, the A’s announced that Miller would be coming out of the bullpen in 2024. Miller has quickly taken to his new role as a reliever and has been the most effective closer in baseball.
Former A’s Starter Mason Miller Has Become Baseball’s Most Effective Closer
Since allowing two earned runs on March 30th, the flamethrower has been dominant. Miller has pitched 13 ⅓ scoreless innings with three walks, four hits and 28 strikeouts. The right-hander has an insane 18.2 strikeouts per nine innings and the hardest fastball in the majors.
His fastball averages 100.7 mph, and no batter has put a high fastball in play through 34 swings. He leads the major leagues in velocity, throwing 97 at least 100 mph pitches. His fastball has increased an additional 3.3 mph as a reliever from his velocity as a starter last season. The A’s right-hander also throws one of the best sliders in baseball, ranking in the top 10 for movement.
Oakland’s third-round draft pick in 2021 is on pace to be the A’s new Liam Hendriks. Hendriks is the only Oakland reliever to be named an All-Star in the past nine years. The 35-year-old pitched to a 4-4 record with a 1.80 ERA and 25 saves in his 2019 All-Star season. The 25-year-old Miller has pitched to a 1.26 ERA through 14 ⅓ innings and is on pace for a 40-save season.
While there is speculation about the A’s dealing the best closer in baseball, Miller is still signed to a rookie contract with six years to go. So, even though Oakland has been known to trade their top players, A’s fans should see Miller both in Sacramento and Las Vegas.
Main Photo Credits: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
