Bryce Miller took a significant step forward at the Seattle Mariners’ spring training camp, throwing a 30-pitch bullpen session with promising results. After dealing with left oblique inflammation since late February, Miller reported no discomfort, a positive sign for the Mariners' pitcher.
“We’re working in three-day blocks,” Miller explained. “I’ll throw again in three days, aiming for a bit more intensity.
These sessions might seem a bit tedious because I’m not pushing it too hard yet, but it’s important to be cautious. Everything felt really good today.”
Last week, Miller had to halt a bullpen session due to tightness. However, on Tuesday, he completed his warmup and delivered about 30 pitches at roughly 80% intensity. He even mixed in his breaking pitches for the first time since the injury, planning to increase to 90% in his next session.
“I expect my oblique to respond well,” Miller noted. “I’ll push as hard as it allows in the next bullpen, but I’ll be smart about it.”
Miller’s goal is to ramp up his velocity over the next few sessions, eventually reaching a point where he can throw at full effort without any concerns. “I want to have a max effort bullpen where I’m giving it everything and not worrying about the oblique. Hopefully, that’s less than a week away.”
Last season, Miller was limited to 18 starts due to injuries, posting a 5.68 ERA. However, he shone in the playoffs, allowing just four runs over three starts with a 2.51 ERA. As the new season approaches, he might start on the injured list, but Seattle anticipates only needing a short-term replacement in the rotation.