Padres Closer Miller Posts 1.01 ERA and 49% Strikeout Rate
San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller leads the majors with a 101.2 mph average fastball and a 49% strikeout rate. Opponents are slugging .132 against him this season.
ESPNSan Diego Padres closer Mason Miller has recorded a 1.01 ERA and converted all 18 save opportunities this season while striking out 51 of the 104 batters he has faced. Miller's average fastball velocity of 101.2 mph leads the major leagues. He and one other pitcher have thrown 33 of the 35 fastest pitches recorded this season.
A machine used by major league teams to simulate opposing pitchers cannot replicate Miller's delivery, according to Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy. Muncy struck out in his first plate appearance against Miller last month and walked in his second. He said the pitches appear faster than the radar readings indicate.
Miller's opponents have a .132 slugging percentage, lower than the previous single-season record of .166 set in 2019. The last extra-base hit Miller allowed came in 2025. He later recorded 34⅔ consecutive scoreless innings. Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla said Miller is the best closer in baseball.
