San Diego Padres manager Craig Stammen dismissed rumors that star closer Mason Miller was tipping pitches during Sunday's Game 2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Miller dominated the eighth inning but struggled in the ninth, allowing three walks and a game-winning single by Jackson Chourio. Stammen suggested the issue may stem from Miller's difficulty maintaining velocity and adrenaline when pitching multiple innings, rather than any sign-stealing.
The Padres, facing a 2-0 series deficit, may limit Miller to one inning in future playoff games. Miller finished the regular season with a 1.67 ERA and a league-leading 38 saves. Despite online speculation about glove positioning patterns, Stammen emphasized the team's dedicated scouting staff monitors such details daily.
Brewers players, including Christian Yelich, Sal Frelick, and Gary Sanchez, drew 17 pitches without swinging, fueling social media theories. Sanchez denied awareness of any pitch-tipping, noting that hitting 104 mph pitches is difficult regardless. Stammen remains confident in the team's analytical process.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing