The Oakland Athletics have had a rough start to the 2024 season. As such, the team has been mentioned in numerous trade rumors as a means of sparking an improvement. One player the Athletics were rumored to float is relief pitcher Mason Miller. Nevertheless, Miller's injury status could see his trade chances take a hit.
The A's plan on placing Miller on the injured list after a fractured fifth metacarpal (pinkie) in his left hand, Martin Gallegos reports. It is a non-pitching injury he suffered after pounding a padded training room in frustration following Monday's win against the Houston Astros.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post quoted Gallegos' report, saying he believes Mason Millers' trade will take a hit from his injury development. Hopefully, Miller will undergo a speedy recovery.
Through 34 games, Miller has amassed 15 saves, which ranks him 20th in the league. In addition, he holds a 2.21 ERA and has thrown 70 strikeouts along with a 0.84 WHIP. The Athletics have not had the start to the season they imagined, but they have put forth an admirable effort at the season's midpoint.
Oakland has won six of its last 10 games. Between July 14 and July 20, they went on a three-game winning streak, beating the Philadelphia Phillies once and the Los Angeles Angels twice. Still, the club retains a 41-63 record, which places them last in the American League West standings. It will be interesting to see how the A's fare amid trade rumors during the rest of the season.
How will Athletics navigate the MLB trade deadline after Mason Miller injury news?
In late July, Jon Heyman named the Athletics among teams rumored to seek new pitching contributors. Thus, Mason Miller trade rumors gained traction.
“The Orioles and Yankees (and many others) are competing for available pitching, with both looking at starters and relievers (though the Yankees are favoring relievers and the Orioles starters). But even if the Orioles’ more obvious need is the rotation, they are in touch on big relievers, including two All-Stars — ex-Oriole Tanner Scott and even the 103.7 mph-throwing Mason Miller. Miller may not go anywhere, but don’t put it past the Orioles to be able to land both a useful or better starter and reliever,” Heyman wrote.
The A's could still make moves to improve their pitching core despite Miller's injury development. Regardless of what happens, Oakland wants to continue putting the best product on the field possible. Can they keep up their stout play and climb the AL West?
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