Oakland Athletics All-Star closer Mason Miller broke his pinky finger on his non-pitching hand when he hit a table in frustration after being reminded he had to do postgame lifting following Monday night’s game against Houston.
The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher, who throws the hardest in the major leagues and has been talked about in trade rumors, was placed on the 15-day injured list starting from Tuesday.
MLB.com reported that Miller was hurt when he put his hand down awkwardly on the training table while getting ready for an exercise, based on what his representative said. However, MLB.com updated their report after manager Mark Kotsay said that account was wrong.
“Mason’s agent might have thought differently and made a statement of his own. How we do things in this organization is to tell the truth,” Kotsay said before Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels.
“Mason came into the training room and was going through his recovery. He was reminded that he had a postgame lift to do.
Out of a little frustration, he just kind of pounded his fist down on a padded training table out of emotion.
“We’ve all been there, done that. Unfortunately, it resulted in a fracture in his non-pitching hand in his left hand where his pinky area is.”
Miller’s non-throwing hand is in a cast. He can throw while in a cast and will do a bullpen session on Tuesday.
Miller has made 34 appearances this season and is 1-1 with 15 saves and a 2.21 ERA. He leads MLB relievers with 70 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings. His 100.9 mph average speed on his four-seam fastball is the highest among pitchers with 500 or more throws.
