While most of the pitching talk ahead of the MLB All-Star Game focused on Pirates rookie Paul Skenes and his start for the National League, Athletics reliever Mason Miller made headlines for the American League.
The 25-year-old threw the fastest pitch on record in an All-Star Game and picked up the win in the AL's 5-3 victory.
After Miller retired Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte on a fly out and struck out none other than Shohei Ohtani, Phillies star Trea Turner stepped into the batter's box. Miller threw him a screamer that marked the fastest pitch at an All-Star Game in the pitch-tracking era, which began in 2008.
Miller struck out Turner on a full count after throwing five pitches at 101.9 mph or higher. He hit triple digits in eight out of 12 pitches in the dominant three-up, three-down fifth inning.
Here are the details of Miller's historic pitch and more on the Oakland closer.
MORE: MLB All-Star game results
Mason Miller pitch speed
Miller's record pitch hit a whopping 103.6 mph. The fastest of his eight triple digit pitches, this one zipped past Turner, though it was called a ball.
The pitch topped the previous record, set by Aroldis Chapman, who fired a 103.4 mph fastball past Mike Moustakas in 2015. Only Ryan Helsley, who threw a pair of 103 mph fastballs in 2022, had challenged Chapman until now.
Mason Miller throws the fastest #AllStarGame pitch in the pitch-tracking era (2008) at 103.6 MPH. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ro32W0c70S
— MLB (@MLB) July 17, 2024
Miller is a triple digit connoisseur, having thrown 286 pitches of at least 100 mph or more this year. The average velocity of his four-seamer, 100.9 mph, is the highest of any MLB pitcher.
Miller's record pitch almost touches his fastest pitch this season, a 103.7 mph fastball to the Rangers' Wyatt Langford on April 11. That pitch also happened at Globe Life Field, the site of this year's All-Star Game.
Mason Miller pitching stats
In his second year at baseball's highest level, Miller is already making waves as one of the league's best closers. He earned recognition as American League Reliever of the Month for March/April and added to his credibility with Tuesday's showing against the league's best.
2024 pitching stats
- Record: 1-1
- ERA: 2.27
- Saves: 15
- Innings pitched: 39.2
- Hits: 20
- Runs: 13
- Earned runs: 10
- Home runs: 3
- Walks: 14
- Strikeouts: 70