MLB
RecapErik Miller allowed one run in the ninth inning but managed to hang on against the Rays on Friday to record his fifth save of the season.
Miller was summoned to protect a three-run lead with Aroldis Chapman presumably unavailable due to an ongoing lat issue. Things got interesting after Victor Mesa Jr. reached on an infield single and Yandy Díaz drew a one-out walk to bring the potential tying run to the plate. A ground out by ensuing batter Jonathan Aranda brought a run home before Miller wisely elected to walk red-hot Junior Caminero. A wild pitch enabled Ryan Vilade to reach base safely after striking out before Miller got speedster Chandler Simpson to ground out to end the contest. Miller has been phenomenal as a setup specialist since coming over from the Giants at the trade deadline, but there’s a chance he picks up a few more saves down the home stretch depending on Chapman’s health and availability, which gives him some short-term fantasy appeal.