The Seattle Mariners are concerned about the ability of rookie pitcher Bryce Miller to make his next start as he's dealing with a finger issue.
The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:
Miller, who exited Friday's start against the Rays with a blister on his right middle finger, may be forced to miss his next turn through the rotation, Brandon Gustafson of SeattleSports.com reports. "We're concerned," manager Scott Servais said. "We'll be hopeful he'll make his next start, but right now it's up in the air."
ANALYSIS
Miller would line up to face the Giants on Wednesday for his final pre-All-Star-break start, and despite the rookie's initial optimism after exiting the game Friday, he could be looking at a shutdown that extends through the Midsummer Classic. Servais explained prior to Saturday's game that Miller's finger was still very sore, adding that although the right-hander was receiving treatment designed to get his nail down, a lot would be determined by whether he was dealing with pockets of blood below the surface...
We could see the Mariners put Miller on the injured list or option him to the minors as a way to get him healthy - and monitor his workload - during the All-Star break. It wouldn't be shocking to see them use a spot starter rather than risk it with a young player. Given the injuries to Robbie Ray and Marco Gonzales this year also, he's of the utmost importance to the M's fleeting playoff chances.
He's 5-3 this season with a 3.97 ERA and has struck out 55 batters in 59 innings.
The Mariners are 39-42 and will take on the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday at 4:10 p.m. ET.
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