The Latest Scare in Denver
For San Diego Padres fans, few things are as anxiety-inducing as watching their star closer take a direct hit on the mound. During a recent game at Coors Field against the Colorado Rockies, Mason Miller was struck in the outside of his calf by a scorching grounder off the bat of Kyle Karros. Despite the immediate impact and the obvious discomfort, Miller remained composed, finishing the inning with a scoreless performance to secure his 37th save of the season.
The incident sparked immediate concern regarding his physical availability for the stretch run, but Miller was quick to assuage those fears. Speaking to reporters post-game, he clarified that while the impact was painful, it hasn't derailed his availability for the critical final weeks of the regular season.
Workload Concerns and Postseason Ambitions
As the Padres fight to solidify their spot in the National League wild-card race, the spotlight on Miller’s workload has only intensified. With the team holding a 2.5-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Miller’s role at the back end of the bullpen is vital. Some analysts have raised eyebrows at the sheer number of innings the right-hander has logged, but Miller himself remains dismissive of the chatter.
- Miller successfully notched his 37th save of the season during the game against the Rockies.
- The Padres are currently navigating a 12-game stretch to finalize their postseason entry.
- Miller has consistently pushed back against concerns regarding his heavy workload.
- His next appearance will mark a new career high in innings pitched for the reliever.
When asked about his level of concern about his workload, Miller told MLB.com's Adrian Garro that the concern simply isn't there.
— Mason Miller
Looking Toward October
Miller's journey to this point has been marked by both impressive performance and injury management. Since his debut in 2023, he has proven himself to be a high-velocity threat on the mound. Coming off a 2025 season where he posted a 2.63 ERA and 104 strikeouts across 60 games, he has firmly established himself as one of the game's most reliable late-inning options.
As the Padres look toward a potential postseason run, the team is banking on Miller to anchor the bullpen. With his ability to thrive under pressure—demonstrated by his dominant performance in the 2025 NL Wild Card Series—the Padres are confident that their closer is prepared for the October stage, provided he stays healthy for the remainder of September.