Mariners get positive injury update on starter Bryce Miller

Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryce Miller. Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Mariners get positive injury update on starter Bryce Miller

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 7, 2026 5:19 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners are "leaning toward" activating starting pitcher Bryce Miller off the 15-day injured list on this road trip. The 27-year-old suffered a left oblique strain retroactive to March 25 and started this season on the IL.

But he's now made huge strides in his recovery and has overcome the injury. In his most recent rehab start on May 6, he pitched five scoreless innings.

His oblique injury didn't impact his performance, and he showed off a dominant velocity of 98 mph.

This indicates that this will likely be his final rehab start before making his season debut.

Bryce Miller says he’s ready to rejoin the Mariners rotation, pronto, and the club is leaning toward activating him on this road trip, per sources.

What does that mean for the M’s starters? Six-man rotation? Luis Castillo to the bullpen? Emerson Hancock?

Examining the options:
— Adam Jude (@A_Jude) May 7, 2026

What Bryce Miller's pending return means for the Mariners

Miller will immediately impact the Mariners rotation. He offers a high-end performance as a crucial part of the rotation. His return will also bolster the starting pitching depth.

Miller did struggle with consistency last season, posting a 5.68 ERA and a 1.406 WHIP. But he showed resiliency, compiling a 1-0 record with a 2.51 ERA over three starts in the postseason.

While his return is an asset to the team, which is looking to build off its success from last season, it does create a dilemma. The Mariners will have to handle a logjam in the rotation.

Emerson Hancock took over Miller's spot in the rotation and has dominated with a 2.59 ERA. This leaves the Mariners in a tough spot. Either having to choose between a six-man rotation or moving Hancock or Luis Castillo to the bullpen.

It's always beneficial to have extra arms and depth in a rotation for a team looking to be a contender. Overall, it means difficult roster decisions will have to be made.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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