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Cincinnati Reds: Wade Miley having quietly impressive season

By David Hill

Jul 9, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Wade Miley (22) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Wade Miley (22) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wade Miley has generally flown under the radar during his major league career. While the Cincinnati Reds pitcher did flash upon the baseball consciousness earlier this season when he fired a no hitter, his was one of four no hitters thrown in May, and was quickly overlooked.

But that is essentially par for Miley’s career. He has only made one All Star Game, doing so as a rookie in 2013. Although he had been unable to match that season, Miley had settled in as a solid middle of the rotation arm, someone who could be counted on to provide close to 200 innings per season.

Wade Miley quietly having career season with Cincinnati Reds

That has changed this season. He deserves recognition for more than just his no hitter as he has been one of the best pitchers in the game, deserving of making the All Star Game. He has posted a stellar 2.80 ERA and a 1.163 WHiP in his 96.1 innings, striking out 76 batters with 26 walks.

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Given his performance this season, it is not a surprise that Miley has been one of the more valuable pitchers in the game this year. His 4.4 bWAR ranks fifth in the National League, and is easily the highest mark of his career. In fact, the only other time that Miley has had a bWAR over 3.0 came in his rookie season.

Each of the players that Miley ranks behind – Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Kevin Gausman – are heading to the Mid-Summer Classic in Colorado. Miley deserves a place in the exhibition as well, but his stature as a solid pitcher on a relatively anonymous Reds’ team hampered his candidacy.

That is perfectly fine for Cincinnati. The Reds have been able to hover around the edge of playoff contention this year, with Miley being a key part of that success. At six games back in the NL Central, and 5.5 games out of the second Wild Card, a rested Miley will be more important than getting him to his second All Star Game.

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Wade Miley has been one of the better pitchers in the National League this season. However, few outside of the Cincinnati Reds seem to realize that.

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