The Washington Nationals will call up right-hander Justin Miller from Class AAA Syracuse on Friday, according to a person familiar with the situation, rewarding a veteran reliever who has been a revelation in his time in the organization this season.
Miller will take Erick Fedde’s spot on the roster before Washington opens a three-game series against the Miami Marlins on Friday. Fedde was optioned to Syracuse on Thursday after allowing three runs across 5 2/3 innings in a spot start Wednesday against the Padres.
Miller has extensive major league experience, carrying a 4.99 ERA in 82 appearances for the Detroit Tigers and Colorado Rockies over three seasons. He signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels last year and didn’t reach the majors, pitching to a 5.48 ERA in 38 appearances for their Class AAA affiliate.
But the 30-year-old Miller is a different pitcher this season, one whose fastball and slider velocities have both jumped. And his numbers with Syracuse are eye-popping. The right-hander hasn’t allowed a run over 13 2/3 innings in nine appearances. He has accumulated 23 strikeouts to three walks — one of the walks was intentional — and allowed three hits. His WHIP is 0.439. He has been lights out.
Further, the Nationals had to give Miller a shot before June 15, when he could opt out of the minor league contract he signed in January. He would have found a job in the majors elsewhere without a problem. Instead, he will join the Nationals’ bullpen in South Florida.
Read more: