A's closer Mason Miller fractures left hand, which could affect whether he's traded

Mason Miller figured to be one of the most popular targets for playoff contenders at the MLB trade deadline. However, the rocket-armed reliever will be unavailable for the next two weeks.

The Oakland Athletics placed Miller on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to a fractured pinky finger on his left hand. The broken finger is on his non-pitching hand, and the A's put Miller on the IL retroactive to July 23, which means he will be eligible to return Aug. 7.

When Miller's injury was reported, there were differing stories as to how he broke his finger. Initially, Miller reportedly fractured his hand by pounding it on a training table in frustration. Then the story was that Miller "put his hand down awkwardly" on the table while preparing to do an exercise, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos.

A's manager Mark Kotsay later indicated that Miller indeed hurt himself in an emotional outburst.

"Out of a little frustration, he just kind of pounded his fist down on a padded training table out of emotion," said Kotsay, via MLB.com's Brent Maguire. "We've all been there, done that."

The prevailing thought is that Oakland was unlikely to trade Miller because he has five years of club control after this season. He isn't eligible for arbitration until the 2027 season.

That makes Miller the sort of low-cost asset that a small-market team such as the A's prefers to keep. And it almost certainly means that Oakland would ask for a huge amount in return for a player they don't want to trade yet.

The A's could also switch Miller back to a starting pitcher, according to The Athletic's Tyler Kepner. He was a starter in the minors before being called up last season, and he started six games for the A's last year. As a starter, Miller could be an even more valuable asset in the future.

Miller, soon to turn 26, has struck out 70 batters in 40 2/3 innings with a 2.21 ERA and 15 saves in 34 appearances this season. He wowed a national audience during the MLB All-Star Game, when he hit 103.6 mph on the radar gun. Every one of the fastballs he threw during his appearance was over 100 mph.

No MLB pitcher has thrown more pitches 100 mph or faster this season than Miller, who's done it 306 times.

Oakland activated pitcher Ross Stripling from the 15-day IL to take Miller's place on the roster.

This likely won't be the last time Miller is discussed as a trade possibility for the A's. It just might not happen this season, broken hand or not.