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Mason Miller continuing breakout showing in Arizona Fall League

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 11: A detailed view of the cap and Wilson baseball glove belonging to Tony Kemp #5 of the Oakland Athletics sitting on top of the dugout steps against the Chicago White Sox in the bottom of the seventh inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 11, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 11: A detailed view of the cap and Wilson baseball glove belonging to Tony Kemp #5 of the Oakland Athletics sitting on top of the dugout steps against the Chicago White Sox in the bottom of the seventh inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 11, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Mason Miller was sent to the Arizona Fall League to build up his inning count and test himself against some of the top prospects in baseball.

He had missed the vast majority of the 2022 season due to a strained shoulder, making his season debut on August 23 in a rehab outing in the Arizona Complex League. Miller was able to get into a total of six games over the course of the season for a grand total of 14 innings. None of his outings lasted longer than three innings as he was essentially used as an opener.

Mason Miller having strong showing in Arizona Fall League

But Miller may be closer than one would think. Assistant general manager Billy Owens had said that Miller was likely closer to the majors than he realizes, with the A’s looking to build up his innings and test himself against some of the top prospects in the game. It is just a matter of proving himself.

Miller has done just that in the AFL. He allowed just six runs on nine hits and four walks over his 16.2 innings, striking out 20 batters. That performance showed that Miller could be the weapon that the A’s feel he will develop into.

He has displayed glimpses of that potential. His high octane fastball and plus slider have made him a force in Arizona as he was able to mow down the opposition with ease. Miller has also done a better job of keeping the ball in the park in Arizona, with just one homer in those 16.2 innings after allowing three over his 14 innings during the regular season.

Clearly, the A’s are going to want to see a lot more from Miller. His 2022 showing has been a matter of small sample sizes, both in the minors and in the AFL. However, that small sample size in Arizona could be the beginning of a breakout that could catapult Miller to the majors as quickly as the A’s may hope.

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The Oakland A’s have high hopes for Mason Miller. His strong showing in the Arizona Fall League could be the start of his breakout.