With a blistering 0.82 ERA and 19 strikeouts, San Diego’s superstar closer solidified his dominance in July, securing his third monthly honor while staying firmly off the trade block.
As of Monday morning, everybody was waiting to see what San Diego Padres GM A.J. Preller was going to do.
The latest winning surge essentially took superstar closer Mason Miller off the market. On top of that, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Sunday night that the Padres turned down an offer from the New York Yankees that would've sent Will Warren to San Diego for Adrian Morejon.
Nonetheless, as the world waiting to see what Preller was going to do, Miller earned more hardware as he was named the National League Reliever of the Month for July. Boston Red Sox star Aroldis Chapman won the award for the American League.
Miller threw 11 innings with 19 strikeouts and seven saves along with a 0.82 ERA.
The award comes just days after the one-year anniversary of the Padres trade for Miller, one that saw top prospect Leo De Vries go to the Athletics as the headliner of the deal.
Miller had another huge month, yet he had a blown save in the first game of August in a very rare situation.
As for July, here is what Miller did in all of his appearances.
- July 4: 1 IP, 1 hit, 1 run
- July 5: 1 IP, 0 hits, 1 K
- July 7: 1 IP, 0 hots, 2 Ks
- July 11: 1 IP, 1 hit, 2 Ksi
- July 12: 1 IP, 0 hits, 1 K
- July 17: 1 IP, 2 hits, 3 Ks
- July 21: 1 IP, 1 hit, 3 Ks
- July 24: 1 IP, 1 K
- July 26: 1 IP, 1 K
- July 28: 1 IP, 3 Ks
- July 29: 1 IP, 2 Ks
In total, Miller allowed just five hits in the entire month of July with one run, which came against the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 4. Miller also walked just two batters in the entire month, and he had a total of 20 strikeouts.
Miller won the award in September after coming to San Diego, and this season, he won the award in April, May and now July.
Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran won the award in June, but Miller now has reclaimed the award as he has been dominant as usual.
Miller also pitched for the National League in the All-Star Game, and he recorded just one out, which came via a strikeout.
So far, Miller has been unreal for San Diego, and it should remain the case.
