The Seattle Mariners returned to the Pacific Northwest in fashion as Opening Day draws near. Alongside silly commercials and Instagram fit checks, the team is unveiling a new starting rotation for their first game.
With Bryce Miller still sidelined due to left oblique inflammation, things won’t look exactly as expected, but the adjustments appear to be temporary as he works his way back into the Bullpen.
Miller Update Results in a Twist in Mariners Rotation
After landing on the IL twice last season with bone spurs, it’s encouraging that Miller’s current issue is unrelated.
Back in February, he received a platelet-rich plasma injection to address discomfort. At the time, Mariners General Manager Justin Hollander provided an optimistic update:
“It’s something he usually goes through when he first starts to ramp up for camp,” Hollander said.
On March 11th, fans saw Miller’s first full-effort bullpen session cut short due to lingering discomfort.
“This is rehab,” Hollander said, offering an update. “This is part of it.”
More recently on Monday, March 23, Miller remained in Arizona to continue his rehab as the team flew back to Seattle. Fortunately, things appear to be looking up for the 27-year-old.
“One-hundred percent,” was Miller’s answer when asked what his effort level was. “One-hundred percent for the first time in a long time.”
He looked sharp during warm ups, focusing on mechanics and pitch location. Mariners manager Dan Wilson commented on his progress:
“I think the way he’s been progressing has been outstanding,” Wilson said. “He seems to be right where he needs to be and throwing the ball well. And I think once he gets rolling and starts to get spread out, then it just becomes a matter of where’s the best opportunity to plug him in according to the schedule.”
Mariners Rotation for Opening Day
Despite the positive momentum, it’s unlikely that Miller will be ready for Opening Day. According to Seattle Sports, Wilson emphasized the importance of managing the pitching staff carefully early in the season:
“You sort of have to take your bullpen into consideration, where (the relief pitchers) are at, how many innings they’ve had to cover prior to, because you just don’t know how those first couple ones are going to go,” Wilson said. “That’s a big part of it, too. But I think our guys, our (high performance) staff, the work they put in with these guys, they’re usually ready to go. And I think in Bryce’s case, he’ll definitely be ready to go. It’s just a matter of where it fits in best.”
That being said, if all goes well, Miller could return in April, potentially during a four-day break in the Mariners’ schedule.
As the team finalizes its rotation, Emerson Hancock or Cooper Criswell will likely step into his spot. Hancock has experience in the role, having filled in over the past two seasons for both George Kirby and Bryan Woo during their injury absences. That, paired with his impressive display during spring training, makes him more likely to fill in until Miller is ready to return.
Opening Day will feature a 7:10 p.m. matchup in Seattle between the Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians.
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