Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller earned his first victory of the season on Monday, allowing two runs over five bulk-relief innings against the Oakland Athletics.
The Mariners used an unconventional pitching strategy, pairing starter Luis Castillo, who threw four scoreless innings, with Miller to finish the game.
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Miller threw 83 pitches, lowering his season ERA to 2.25 across 16 frames.
Miller's outing was his third since recovering from a left oblique strain that sidelined him during spring training and the first seven weeks of the regular season.
His mechanics showed significant improvement, including a career-high average four-seam fastball velocity of 97.1 mph, up from last year's career-low 94.8 mph.
Miller Discusses Health and Velocity Gains
In an interview with Seattle Sports' Wyman and Bob, Miller discussed his physical progression and pitch performance during rehab.
"It's a lot more fun pitching when you're healthy," he said.
Miller explained that his increased velocity developed early in spring training before the oblique injury began to hinder his mechanics.
"I've been throwing hard since really (when) I got spring training," he noted.
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His four-seam fastball reached 99.2 mph against Houston's Yordan Alvarez on May 13, followed by a 99.3 mph pitch in his next appearance.
"I've said it a couple of times, it's a lot more fun pitching when you're healthy," Miller added.
The injury caused a sharp, stabbing sensation on his lower left side when his front foot planted during his throwing motion, extending his recovery timeline.
"It was like I was getting stabbed right on the lower part of my left side," Miller said.
"It took a while, but once it turned a corner two months ago, it's been good ever since."
According to an analysis by pitcherlist.
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com, Miller also showcased an improved 88 mph gyro slider alongside his four-seamer, limiting the Chicago White Sox to one hit over 5.2 scoreless innings in his Tuesday appearance.
