Mariners' Miller Reveals Lat Issue Amid Eight-Game Losing Streak

Bryce Miller acknowledged he has been pitching through a lat injury since late July, a stretch in which Seattle has lost all eight of his starts and he has posted a 7.19 ERA. The team has a recurring pattern of players downplaying injuries and struggling for extended periods, including Cal Raleigh and Rob Refsnyder. The organization faces a growing need to better manage player availability rather than relying on grit.

Miller's injury timeline began in late July during a road game in Texas, where he failed to record a strikeout for the first time in his career. The team delayed his next start by just one day before returning him to his regular rotation schedule, and the performance decline has continued since.

The Mariners' pattern extends beyond Miller. Raleigh's oblique issue preceded a lengthy hitless stretch before he landed on the injured list, while Raley's elbow problem ultimately required season-ending surgery. Emerson's wrist injury, known since February, only became fully apparent after a prolonged slump. Seattle remains in postseason contention, making each roster decision increasingly consequential.