The right-hander is headed to the bullpen after a rough last two months, but there are two big things to wonder moving forward.
TORONTO -- Speaking before Friday's 8-1 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre, Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson told members of the media that starting pitcher Bryce Miller is moving to the bullpen, effective immediately.
The move comes as Miller has gone 1-8 in his last nine starts, pitching to an ERA over six in that time. Wilson was quick to say the move isn't permanent, and this is just an opportunity for him to get back on track.
Logan Gilbert will be re-slotted in the rotation and will start the series finale on Sunday morning (10:37 p.m. PT).
Also speaking before the game, Miller addressed the move. The disappointment on his face was obvious, but he answered all the questions with class and grace. He spoke about still seeing himself as a starting pitcher, still having confidence in his fastball and being will to do whatever the team needs in order to be successful.
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Bryce Miller (50) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesSeattle enters play on Saturday at 64-71 and four games back in both the American League West and the American League wild card. While Seattle has an easy schedule in September, it also has to get there with a chance first.
These next two games in Toronto are critical as the M's look to stay in the race.
While Wilson didn't say it outright, it seems likely that Miller will pitch on Saturday in relief of rookie Kade Anderson, at least at some point. Anderson only threw 80 pitches once in the minor leagues, and threw 81 in his major league debut last week. He seems likely to exit Saturday's contest around the same time, meaning the Mariners will likely need relief.
As Miller goes to the bullpen, there are two things to wonder about.
Will this be short-lived?
Right-hander Emerson Hancock tweaked his left groin in the bottom of the first inning on Friday, and after the game, Wilson spoke about how important Saturday was to seeing where things go for Hancock moving forward.
Should Hancock need to be sidelined, Miller could easily step right back into the rotation.
What will the workload be like?
Is Miller here to solely piggyback Anderson's outings? Is he here to serve as long relief in general? Or could the Mariners use him in leverage situations in a more traditional way? Could he throw on back-to-back days? Two times in three days?
Even Miller isn't sure at this point what the plan is. He said the following to the media on Friday:
Up next
The Mariners and Jays will play at 12:47 p.m. PT on Saturday. Anderson will pitch against right-hander Jose Soriano.
