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Mason Miller shows potential to dominate

By David Hill |
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: An Oakland Athletics hat sits near the dugout during the game against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum on September 25, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: An Oakland Athletics hat sits near the dugout during the game against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum on September 25, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Scrimmage games do not mean much. It is a way to see who has done some work in the offseason and may be ready to take a step forward, but that is about it. However, some players, such as Oakland A’s prospect Mason Miller, are using that opportunity to showcase their potential.

For Miller, that opportunity came on Monday. His fastball reached 98 MPH during the A’s scrimmage against Asian Breeze, a traveling baseball team based in Arizona.

Mason Miller shows potential for Oakland A’s

Miller did not exactly have a stressful outing. He pitched two innings on what was officially the first day of minor league spring training, striking out four batters. While he did not reach triple digits as he had in the past, his velocity was impressive for this point in the spring.

The A’s third round draft pick in 2021, Miller only had a brief taste of being a professional. He made just three appearances in the Arizona Complex League, spanning six innings. However, he did show his potential in that time, allowing one run on four hits and three walks while striking out nine batters.

Miller’s velocity also poses a dilemma for the A’s. As director of player development Ed Sprague noted, Miller throws strikes and has impressive velocity. If they slot him into a relief role, he could be on the fast-track to the majors, especially if his slider continues to develop.

Regardless of the A’s ultimate decision, Miller should have plenty of opportunities moving forward. They are going to need help everywhere in the pitching staff and Miller has the potential to make a difference. It will ultimately come down to his secondary offerings; if his slider and changeup improve, he will likely stay in the rotation. Otherwise, his velocity makes him a candidate for a meaningful role in the back of the A’s bullpen.

Next. Gelof looking to build on impressive debut. dark

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Mason Miller has the potential to make an impact on the Oakland A’s in the future. He showed that potential on Monday with his impressive velocity.

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