Mariners optimistic Wade Miley will miss only a couple starts
Jun 18, 2016, 12:46 PM
Though Wade Miley’s shoulder issue was enough for the Mariners to place him on the 15-day disabled list on Friday, manager Scott Servais isn’t too concerned the left-handed pitcher will be out for very long.
“We’re optimistic it’s only going to be a couple starts,” Servais said.
Miley himself said he didn’t think a full stint on the DL was needed to get his shoulder back to feeling 100 percent, but the Mariners picked the more cautious route for what was called a left shoulder impingement.
“He’s been struggling a little bit after his last start, just his shoulder was bugging him,” Servais said. “Think it’s nothing more than to get it to calm down a bit. … Thought it was best to shut him down and give him a chance to regroup.”
Miley, 29, has had his moments this season, including a complete-game shutout against Kansas City on April 30 and a couple more scoreless outings, but his ERA sits at 5.28 primarily due to inconsistency. He has just one quality start over his last five turns.
In his usual spot in the rotation, the Mariners turn to Adrian Sampson to make his MLB debut Saturday. A local product from Skyline High School in Sammamish, Sampson had jumped up the depth chart at Triple-A Tacoma since spring training.
“He was probably the most consistent starter we’ve had down there (with Tacoma). The reports have been fastball command is very good, his pitch ability is good, and he can move the ball around the strike zone,” Servais said of Sampson. “He showed a very good breaking ball in spring training when we saw him out of the bullpen and that has continued there as well. Changeup is still a work in progress but he’ll throw it.”
To make room for Sampson, the Mariners optioned lefty reliever David Rollins back to Tacoma just a day after he was called up. Servais liked what he saw out of Rollins in 1 1/3 scoreless innings Friday in the 8-4 win over Boston, and he said he told Rollins he’ll be back with the big club before long.
“Was really impressed by it. Different guy than we saw in spring training,” Servais said. “He certainly showed well for himself. … Nice to see him come up and contribute. ‘OK, that’s a guy. We can count on him.’
“It won’t be the last time you see him up here this year.”
