While the Oakland Athletics have the second-worst record in the American League West, they still had some positives during the 2024 Major League Baseball season. One of them is closing pitcher Mason Miller, who has been exceptional at his job.
Through 16 games, Miller has nine saves and a 0.89 ERA. The Pittsburgh native has a 0.59 WHIP and 41 strikeouts in 20.1 innings. In his last game this season, he had three strikeouts to earn the save during their May 21 game against the Colorado Rockies.
Miller has given up only two earned runs all season, both coming in their March 30 game against the Cleveland Guardians. Since then, he hasn't given up a run in his next 15 appearances. In his last 13 outings, he's given up only one hit and collected 33 strikeouts in 15.1 innings.
Mason Miller last 13 outings:
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 22, 2024
15.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 33 K pic.twitter.com/GBcLWezqcI
While Miller has been impressive for the Athletics, they cannot support his effort with victories. Oakland has a 20-30 record, 7.5 games behind AL West leaders Seattle Mariners. The Houston Astros have passed them despite starting the season with a worse record.
But Miller's latest performance could be a rallying point for the Athletics. They have two more games at home against the Rockies before starting another three-game home series versus the Astros. Winning all games should help them inch the gap with their division rivals.
-Lance Fernandez