Oakland A’s closer Mason Miller is on the 15 day IL with a fracture on his left hand, reportedly his left pinkie is fractured. The fracture happened on Mon Jul 22, 2024 at the Oakland Coliseum. (photo from MLB)

By Jerry Feitelberg

As opposed to first reports that Oakland A’s pitcher Mason Miller fractured his pinky finger on his left hand on Monday while pounding a padded training table in the training room after Monday’s win against the Houston Astros in Oakland. An updated report says that Miller fractured his hand while trying to get up to do exercises.

Miller’s injury triggered the A’s to take pitcher Ross Stripling off the 15 day IL. The loss of Miller no doubt sets the A’s back. Miller the ace of the A’s pitching staff as a closer has thrown over 100 MPH pitches, led the American League in saves, and has been reliable in save situations.

The injury is unusual but nonetheless the A’s who had won seven of their last 11 games and won their last 3 three game series from the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels, and Houston Astros heavily rely on Miller’s ability to be a game closer and will now have to figure on how to persevere in closing out games.

Miller was the subject of lots of trade interest before the trade deadline with the heat he brings in save situations and the success he’s had not only at the All Star Game but all season long. With his fractured hand and no telling when he’ll be healthy enough to come back he most likely will stay A’s property for the rest of the season.

Jerry Feitelberg is an Oakland A’s reporter at http://www.sportsradioservice.com