Overview
- Sunday’s 15-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs saw Miller exit after 4.1 innings with five strikeouts, six runs allowed and a third-inning grand slam that opened the rout.
- In his prior start against the Milwaukee Brewers Miller allowed six runs in 4 2/3 innings as Seattle’s bullpen and offense combined to produce a 22-0 defeat.
- Data outlets cited an unusual historical match, with OptaStats reporting no modern-era pitcher has had back-to-back starts that coincided with 15-plus run losses and ESPN/other trackers linking the stretch to a 1890 precedent for consecutive 17-run defeats, while noting verification limits.
- Miller’s form has swung sharply this summer: he has not recorded a win since July 2, Seattle has lost most of his recent starts, and his ERA moved from about 1.71 in early July to roughly 4.12 by late August.
- The Mariners, below .500 and trailing in the Wild Card race, will use upcoming home games against the Phillies and a series with the Blue Jays as tests of Miller’s role and the club’s bullpen depth.