Elephant Rumblings: Miller turning heads, Hernaiz optioned
MLB news roundup
Happy Friday, Athletics Nation!
The A’s were off yesterday, but their fireballing phenom (I think it’s safe to apply that term now) Mason Miller got his share of glowing press. Miller topped the “Relievers on the Rise” list in yesterday’s bullpen report from Greg Jewett at The Athletic.
Susan Slusser at the San Francisco Chronicle shared the plethora of high praise that Miller is garnering from his teammates. Slusser’s headline asks, “Have the A’s found their closer?” Veteran A’s starter Paul Blackburn answers, “I’ve seen enough to say he’s one of the best closers in baseball.”
Miller has quickly notched his first four MLB saves in as many appearances since April 9. Stay sturdy, Mason! Slusser’s piece includes a review of Miller’s worrisome health history.
If you’re looking for a good extended read, you might want to check out this feature on the “SELL” movement from Dan Moore at The Ringer. It goes deep and is chock full of historical context and comparisons to other fan protest movements through the years.
In the breaking news department, shortstop Darell Hernaiz was optioned to Triple-A yesterday per the A’s transaction page. Slashing .103/.156/.103 after his first 32 MLB plate appearances, the A’s fourth ranked prospect seemed in need of a tuneup. Darell promptly homered in his first game back with the Aviators; hopefully he’ll benefit from a stint in Vegas as much as Esteury Ruiz appears to have.
Aviators strike first with a splash! Darell Hernaiz sends one deep into the pool for his first homer of the season, bringing Brett Harris home! Aviators lead 2-0 and they're making a big splash early in the game! ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/NSpPiohu99
— Las Vegas Aviators (@AviatorsLV) April 19, 2024
Small sample slashlines aside, Hernaiz did not look like a minor leaguer in Wednesday’s win over the Cardinals to me, so the move feels a bit odd.
Have a wonderful weekend, AN.
A’s Coverage:
- Mason Miller dodged surgery and throws 104 mph. Have the A’s found their closer? ($)
- Bullpen report: Mason Miller is undeniable, Josh Hader has usage issues and more ($)
- When Fans Fight Back
MLB News & Interest:
- 2024 MLB Draft top 50 prospects rankings: Why Keith Law has Charlie Condon at No. 1 ($)
- Yankees Claim Taylor Trammell, Designate Kevin Smith
- Which Hot Or Cold Starts Are For Real?
- Kyle Hendricks’ Tough Start
- Latest On Padres, Diamond Sports Group
- Max Scherzer Ahead Of Schedule, Could Return In Early May
- Today in Baseball History
Best of X:
Roster moves.
A'S RECENT MOVES: LV RHP Billy Sullivan released, IF Elvis Rijo to LAN, 3B J.D. Davis to A’s IL, OF Esteury Ruiz to A’s, C Carlos Perez off LV development list, IF Jose Escorche to LAN, IF T.J. Schofield-Sam to ACL A’s...https://t.co/joKXkyUAPy
— Athletics Farm (@AthleticsFarm) April 18, 2024
Should have given him a bit more time.
The A’s have also released Billy Sullivan, who was the player they received in the Cristian Pache trade.
— Jason Burke (@ByJasonB) April 19, 2024
The pace of play has definitely quickened.
MLB games lasting 3+ hours:
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) April 18, 2024
2003 - 28%
2004 - 31%
2005 - 30%
2006 - 32%
2007 - 39%
2008 - 37%
2009 - 38%
2010 - 38%
2011 - 40%
2012 - 47%
2013 - 52%
2014 - 58%
2015 - 46%
2016 - 54%
2017 - 62%
2018 - 54%
2019 - 62%
2020 - 59%
2021 - 67%
2022 - 60%
2023 - 17%
2024 - 15%
Colon pumped strikes like nobody’s business.
#OTD in 2012, Bartolo Colon threw 38 (!!!) consecutive strikes, the longest stretch of consecutive strikes since 1988. Colon would dominate the Angels across eight innings, securing a 6-0 Oakland A’s victory. #Athletics pic.twitter.com/DWYEqyeiRm
— Uprooted (@uprootedoakland) April 18, 2024
TK keeps adding to his highlight reel.
That's a 9-year Major Leaguer at second base. The Saints flashing the leather today as @tonykemp starts a phenomenal 4-6-3 inning ending double play pic.twitter.com/Oi0ipEFOCE
— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) April 18, 2024