2023
Miller made his debut a day later,April 19,2023,in a game against the Chicago Cubs. He pitched 41⁄3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits, a walk, and five strikeouts. [10] Miller also became the 10th starting pitcher since the debut of Statcast to throw 15 pitches above 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). [11] After a May 8 start against the Kansas City Royals, [12] it was reported that Miller was dealing with elbow tightness. [13] He was later diagnosed with a mild sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow and promptly shut down from throwing. [14] On June 30, he was transferred to the 60-day injured list. [15] On September 6, Miller was activated from the injured list, with manager Mark Kotsay noting that he would be slated for a relief role. [16] Miller finished the 2023 season with a 3.78 ERA in 10 games, 6 of which were starts. [17]
2024: Rookie season & All-Star
In an effort to maintain Miller's health, the A's announced that Miller would be a reliever during the 2024 season. [18] Beginning the season as the team's closer, Miller earned his first career save in a 4–3 win at Texas on April 9. [19] Miller was named MLB Reliever of the Month for April 2024 after earning 8 saves in 8 opportunities and 28 total strikeouts. [20]
On July 7, 2024, Miller was named as a reserve player in the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, having recorded a 2.39 ERA with 14 saves and 66 strikeouts (leading all AL relievers) up to that point. [21] [22] During the All-Star Game, Miller recorded a scoreless fifth inning with two strikeouts, ultimately earning the win as the American League beat the National League 5–3. During that inning he threw the fastest pitch in All-Star Game history, a 103.6 MPH fastball to Trea Turner. [23]
On September 26, 2024, Miller became the last pitcher to throw a pitch at the Oakland Coliseum in a major league game. [24] He closed out the 3–2 victory over the Texas Rangers with a groundout from Travis Jankowski, recording his 28th save of the year, and the franchises' final win in Oakland. During this outing, Miller set the new franchise record for saves recorded by a rookie with 28, and threw the fastest pitch in Oakland Coliseum history, at 103.8 MPH. [25]
Miller finished the 2024 season with a 2.49 ERA, 28 saves, and 104 strikeouts across 55 games. [17] He was named to the All-MLB Second Team, and finished fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting. [26] [27]
