Bryce Miller allows four runs, throws 66 pitches in second rehab start

After acquiring major offensive reinforcements at the Trade Deadline, the Mariners are close to receiving help in their rotation.

Bryce Miller -- who hasn’t pitched in the Majors since June 10 due to right elbow inflammation -- made his second rehab start for Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday, allowing four runs in 3 2/3 innings while throwing 66 pitches. Miller allowed three home runs, which counted for all of his runs allowed, struck out five batters and walked two. In his first rehab start with Tacoma on Aug. 2., Miller struck out six batters and allowed just one baserunner in four scoreless innings

Miller was previously optimistic that, from a workload standpoint, this would be his final rehab start. But given that this is his second IL stint for the issue -- which is related to a bone spur in the back of his pitching elbow -- the Mariners want him to make at least two more.

After a breakout 2024 season, when Miller had a 2.94 ERA and 171 strikeouts in 180 1/3 innings, the right-hander struggled in his first 10 starts this season with a 5.73 ERA, diminished strikeout rate and inflated walk rate. That can likely be partially attributed to the elbow issue, as Miller experienced decreased velocity on all of his pitches and was diminished enough to spend two separate stints on the injured list.

The return of Miller comes at a pivotal time for a Mariners team that not only holds the second Wild Card spot but is also within striking distance of the Astros in the AL West. While the Mariners offense looks like one of the best in baseball -- especially after acquiring Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor -- Seattle's rotation has been middle of the pack.

With a healthy Miller, Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, George Kirby and Luis Castillo, we could see a return to Seattle’s excellent rotation numbers from 2024. Paired with one of the best offenses in baseball, that is a scary proposition for the rest of the potential AL playoff field.