Despite short rest, Mariners' Bryce Miller shines in Game 1 of ALCS vs. Blue Jays

Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryce Miller started on three days' rest for the first time in his career during Game 1 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday night. Fans who were watching wouldn't have guessed that. 

On Friday, the Mariners used three of their starters in a 15-inning classic in Game 5 of the American League Divisional Series against the Detroit Tigers. Seattle starting pitchers Luis Castillo and Logan Gilbert pitched in relief of George Kirby during the 3-2 win. Fellow starting pitcher Bryan Woo (pectoral) has returned to the 26-man ALCS roster but wasn't ready for Game 1 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

With Seattle's bullpen depleted, Miller — who last started in a 9-3 Game 4 loss to Detroit in the ALDS — was thrust into the starting lineup for Game 1. Despite the limited rest, the 27-year-old was jacked.

Short rest didn't faze Bryce Miller

"I'm fired up," Miller said ahead of Game 1, via MLB.com's Daniel Kramer. "Yeah, I'm ready to go. Pitching in the playoffs is something you dream of, and just getting the opportunity to start us off and get us going early and set the tone is super meaningful."

Mariner fans should've been less excited about Miller starting. He missed most of the season with right elbow inflammation. After returning in August, he struggled. 

The pitcher had a 4-6 record and posted a career-worst 5.68 ERA in 18 regular-season starts. In Game 4 of the ALDS, he allowed four hits and two runs. For some reason, though, Mariners manager Dan Wilson indicated Miller would deliver against Toronto. 

"We're excited to hand him the ball," Wilson said, per Kramer. "We'll take him as far as he can go." 

Wilson's instincts proved correct. Miller was brilliant in Game 1, except for allowing a home run off Toronto right fielder George Springer in the bottom of the first inning. In six innings pitched, he allowed only two hits, had three strikeouts and posted a 2.61 ERA.