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Red Sox Bullpen Bolstered by New Lefty Powerhouse
12 Aug
Summary
- Erik Miller acquired for bullpen depth, noted for his height and lefty arm.
- Miller's sinker and slider dominate left-handed hitters effectively.
- Concerns remain about Miller's control, especially against righties.
Erik Miller has been acquired by the Red Sox to enhance their bullpen, joining in exchange for Marcelo Mayer. Miller, a 6'5" left-handed pitcher, presents a profile favored by Craig Breslow, featuring significant extension on his pitches.
Against left-handed hitters, Miller has demonstrated dominance, utilizing a 97 mph sinker with substantial horizontal break and an effective mid-to-high 80s slider. These pitches generate a high groundball rate and a low ideal contact rate for lefties.
However, Miller has historically faced challenges with control, notably against right-handed batters, where his walk rate has exceeded 20%. Initial observations suggest the Red Sox might be working to adjust his approach, as he has thrown ineffective four-seam fastballs and changeups less frequently since joining the team.
Despite a small sample size, Miller has allowed only one unearned run since his arrival. If he can improve his control and reduce his walk rate, he is poised to become a valuable weapon for the Red Sox bullpen.
