A’s closer Mason Miller, right, and Giants closer Camilo Doval Jerry are two of the most exciting young pitchers in the league right now. Since transitioning from starter to the next big thing among Major League Baseball closers, the Athletics’ Mason Miller has watched others who have reached the peak of their craft.“He’s electric,” Miller said Wednesday before the A’s departed on a 10-game road trip that includes stops in Seattle, Houston and Kansas City.
The degree to which managers Mark Kotsay of the A’s and Bob Melvin of the Giants can maximize the use of their closers while keeping them healthy will determine whether the A’s can actually approach .500 and whether the Giants are the playoff contenders they believe they are. The Dominican Republic native led the National League with 39 saves last season, trailing only Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase for the MLB lead with 44. While his overall numbers this season include a 2-0 record and a 3.95 earned run average with six saves in six opportunities, Doval has still dominated in games that he either won or saved, with one earned run in eight innings, 12 strikeouts, and two walks.
Doval is all arm and legs coming at the hitter at a disconcerting three-quarters motion that’s particularly disturbing to right-handed hitters. Doval can look borderline disinterested and although he’s been less effective in non-save situations, his outward demeanor seldom changes whether he allowed the last hit or recorded the last out.
Alexander, a reliever on the A’s injured list who played for the Giants in 2022-23, said the distinction is subtle.Oakland Ballers announce partnership with CBS Bay Area