He’s officially back: Mariners reinstate Bryce Miller off IL for ’26 debut

Bryce Miller is officially back.

The Seattle Mariners reinstated Miller from the injured list ahead of his season debut Wednesday night against the American League West rival Houston Astros at Daikin Park.

Mariners detail rotation plan upon Bryce Miller’s return

Miller opened the season on the IL after straining his left oblique early in spring training. The 27-year-old right-hander made four rehab starts between Triple-A Tacoma and High-A Everett, posting a combined 1.98 ERA with 14 strikeouts and seven walks in 13 2/3 innings.

Miller’s season debut in Houston will come approximately 175 miles east of where he grew up in New Braunfels, Texas.

In a corresponding move, Seattle designated left-handed reliever José Suarez for assignment. The Mariners claimed Suarez off waivers from the Atlanta Braves earlier this month. The eight-year MLB veteran and former longtime Los Angeles Angels southpaw made one appearance for Seattle, allowing a run on two hits and two walks with three strikeouts over two innings.

With Miller’s return and Emerson Hancock’s success while filling his spot in the rotation, the Mariners are employing a six-man rotation for this week. After that, Mariners manager Dan Wilson said the club will re-evaluate its options.

As Mariners insider Shannon Drayer reported this past weekend, one possibility could be using Miller and three-time All-Star right-hander Luis Castillo in a piggyback role where one starts the game and the other follows with a long relief outing.

First pitch for Wednesday night’s game is at 5:10 p.m. Mariners Radio Network coverage on Seattle Sports begins at 4 p.m. with the pregame show.

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