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Rockies Year in Review: Justin Miller

By Isaac Marks

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Here at Rox Pile, we are starting a player review for each and every player that suited up in a Colorado Rockies uniform this season. This series will be going all the way up until Dec. 15 with player profiles posted every day.

Today, we are featuring Rockies relief pitcher Justin Miller.

Justin Miller was one of the better pieces of the bullpen in 2015 for the Rockies. All sabrmetrics point to Miller as one of the top arms the Rockies put on the mound. He was a top five strikeout guy, kept the walks down, and didn’t give up many hits. Ultimately, however, a few bad outings cost him dearly in 2015.

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    • Miller signed a minor league contract with the Rockies this year after pitching 12 games for the Tigers in 2014, his first year in the majors. 2014 was Miller’s first taste of the big leagues, only appearing in 8 games, going 12.1 innings with a 5.11 ERA, 4.92 FIP, 1.30 WHIP, five strikeouts and two home runs allowed. Miller always posted good strikeout numbers until his stint with the Tigers, so GM Jeff Bridich saw some hope for the right-hander.

    Miller made his Rockies début against the Astros on June 17, throwing one inning, giving up a hit, and striking out one in a loss. He only allowed two runs in his first 13 appearances, but like always, the Rockies can’t have nice things. He gave up eight runs in his next five appearances and was demoted to AAA.

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    In September, Miller was spectacular, for the most part. He had an 8 consecutive strikeout streak, a Rockies record. He only allowed five runs the entire month and four came on one appearance. He was under control, hitting his spots, and carving out a spot for himself. Miller used September as a proving ground that he belongs in the conversation for the 2016 Rockies bullpen.

    Miller 2015: 33.1 IP, 4.05 ERA, 2.62 FIP, 0.97 WHIP, 38 K, 11 BB

    Despite a few multi-run outbursts, Miller was quietly spectacular in a Rockies uniform. He struck out more than a batter per inning and limited his walks significantly, a significant issue for the Rockies recently. He fits the blueprint that Bridich envisions for the bullpen; power arm that misses bats. Don’t be surprised to see Justin Miller’s name on the Opening Day Roster.

    Overall Grade: B+

    Next: Rockies Year in Review: Christian Friedrich

    Check out our continuing 2015 Player Review series with the latest installment, lefty reliever Christian Friedrich.

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