Mason Miller Injury Update: A's place All-Star pitcher on 15-days IL with fractured finger 

Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller will not be pitching for some time now, after suffering a fracture in his fifth metacarpal (pinky finger) and landing on the injured list. Miller had a stellar performance in Monday's game, where he threw 11 pitches and struck out three batters without any consequences.

However, he ended up on the injured list on Thursday. As per Athletics manager Mark Kotsay, Miller broke his pinky finger in an act of rage after the Athletics' 4-0 victory over the Houston Astros. He added the incident had nothing to do with their win.

"Mason postgame, Monday night, after being done with his pitching came in the training room and was going through his recovery, was reminded that he had a postgame lift he had to get in, Kotsay said.

"Out of a little bit of frustration, he just kinda pounded his fist down on the padded training table. ...Unfortunately, it resulted in a fracture in his non-pitching hand, his left hand, in and around where his pinky area is. Unfortunately, he's not able to squeeze his glove and he got himself put on the IL," he added.

As of now, Miller will be re-evaluated after a few weeks. Kotsay also reported that he can continue his practice of throwing pitches in San Francisco on Tuesday, as it won't be an issue. There is no estimate of his return available just yet.

A's GM wishes to sustain Mason Miller's contract beyond this season

MLB: Oakland Athletics at Boston Red Sox (Image Source: IMAGN)

The Oakland A's have been dealt a significant setback with the injury to their rookie sensation. This now presents uncertainty over the club's strategy ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.

There were speculations surrounding Miller's future in Oakland, with the young pitcher's abilities making him a valuable trade asset. His placement on the injured list has temporarily removed him from any trade discussions.

However, General Manager David Forst expressed earlier this week a desire to retain Miller and other key young talents beyond the current season:

"We’ll be opportunistic,” Forst said. “We may do some things, but anyone who expects that we’re gonna continue to just move guys for prospects is probably going to be disappointed next week. There's guys here we think are part of the team beyond this year."

Miller's absence will provide an opportunity for Ross Stripling, who will start the opener series against the Los Angeles Angels. Moreover, coach Kotsay said more young talent will be employed to fill the closer's role, with Lucas Erceg, Tyler Ferguson, Austin Adams and Scott Alexander among the other candidates.