Mariners manager Dan Wilson discusses Bryce Miller’s tough year

Bryce Miller has endured a challenging season, but what will it take for him to return to the form he showed for the Mariners in 2024?

It is always intriguing how much and how quickly things can change for professional athletes, including of course baseball players. Case in point is Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryce Miller, who this time last year was on top of the world.

The Mariners had the top rotation in the majors – a remarkable and proud achievement – and Miller was a significant part of this. Despite being the most unassuming member of the M’s preferred starting five, he stood out with the best bWAR at a career-high 3.4 and the second-best ERA at 2.94, along with an impressive 0.976 WHIP.

Following a promising 2023 rookie campaign, it seemed as if the 27-year-old was already fulfilling his potential and in position to continue growing. Unfortunately for everyone concerned however, this season has not gone according to plan.

The 2025 season has been rough on Bryce Miller

Miller produced a 5.22 ERA, 3.99 FIP and 1.538 WHIP through his first eight starts of 2025, which would all project to career-worsts. It all came to a head in that eighth start, when he allowed eight hits and equalled a career-worst of seven earned runs against the Toronto Blue Jays.

It turned out that Miller was dealing with right elbow inflammation, which had actually lingered since the conclusion of last year. And while he felt better during spring training, the issue came back with a vengeance, resulting in the decision to place him on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 12.

The Mount Pleasant, Texas native returned at the end of May. However, after another two starts it was clear he still wasn’t over his elbow inflammation and he was sent back to the IL, this time for a more extended period of time.

Miller was reactivated on Aug. 19 and has since then made seven starts, with mixed results. For example, on the plus side he has pitched at least 5.0 innings each time out, the Mariners are 5-2 in his seven outings and against the Los Angeles Angels specifically, he set a career-best of 11 strikeouts.

Again though, results have been mixed and Miller still has work to do to get back towards where he was at last season. This is highlighted by allowing three or more earned runs in five of his seven outings since coming back from his second stint on the IL.

Dan Wilson discusses Bryce Miller’s injury issues

Ahead of Miller’s final start of the regular season on Sunday against the Dodgers, we asked Mariners manager Dan Wilson about the challenges the righty has faced this season, including dealing with injury. He said:

“You know, every player goes through it at certain levels, but I think Bryce has really put that in the rear view mirror for him and has thrown the ball well especially of late and has won some big games for us. He’s really shown that he can throw the ball again like he has.”

Always looking to focus on the positives where possible, Wilson went on to discuss the important role Miller plays for the team. He said:

“Our staff I think really has come together at a good time and Bryce is certainly one of those factors. Being on the IL and going through all that is difficult, but I think he was able to handle it all so well and find himself back now to where he’s in a good spot.”

There will understandably be debate about how good a spot Miller is truly in, just because he’s not pitching at the same level as last season. There’s no denying his right elbow issues have unfairly compromised him in 2025, but he is still looking to find his confidence and ability to produce effectively on a more consistent basis.

We have no doubt the 2021 fourth round draft pick can return to the form he displayed throughout last year, but he’s not there yet. It will be interesting to see what he can contribute to the Mariners during the upcoming playoffs, with him likely to play a crucial role out of the bullpen.

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Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rodgers Photography

Do you have faith in Miller providing a positive contribution during the playoffs, regardless of what role he has? Looking further ahead, do you see him returning to being a mainstay in the Mariners’ rotation next year? Let us know you thoughts in the comments section below.