Bryce Miller’s recent stretch on the mound has been anything but the dominant performance that earned him early-season accolades. Over his last five starts he has posted a 5.81 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP, while striking out only 17 batters in 26.1 innings.
The most striking metric is the decline in his fastball velocity. For the first time since mid‑May the pitch has averaged under 96 mph, sliding from 95.8 to 95.7 mph, a subtle but telling drop that has rippled through his entire repertoire.
Compounding the issue, his secondary pitches — sweeper, slider and curveball — combined for a single whiff on 24 pitches in Thursday’s game, underscoring a loss of command that was previously masked by a stronger fastball.
Despite the current slump, Miller still possesses a strong arsenal and had previously thrived at a lower velocity, posting a 95.2 mph average in 2024 and ranking among the top‑10 starters in the league.
Analysts point out that the Tigers matchup is not inherently unfair, but the pitcher’s struggles persist regardless of the opponent, suggesting that the problem is more internal than situational.
What Comes Next for Miller?
With the playoffs looming, the window to rediscover his lost velocity is narrowing. If the fastball does not rebound, the team may be forced to reconsider his role in the rotation, potentially shifting him to a relief or spot‑start capacity.
The coming weeks will be critical; a few solid outings could restore confidence, while continued poor results may see Miller’s name removed from the starter’s list altogether.