Miller’s Meltdown: Mariners Blown Out 19-2 by Cubs
Seattle Mariners Pitcher Bryce Miller Has a Week He’ll Want to Forget
Published: August 23, 2026
Location: Seattle, Washington
What Happened? A Quick Summary
Imagine you’re a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) — that’s the highest level of professional baseball in the world. Your job is to throw the ball so the other team can’t hit it well.
Now imagine you have two starts in a row where everything goes wrong. Like, historically wrong.
That’s exactly what happened to Bryce Miller, a right-handed pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, over a six-day stretch in August 2026.
| Date | Opponent | Final Score | Miller’s Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 18, 2026 | vs. Milwaukee Brewers | 22–0 (Brewers win) | Loss — 5 earned runs in 4⅓ innings |
| Aug 24, 2026 | vs. Chicago Cubs | 19–2 (Cubs win) | Loss — 6 earned runs in 4⅓ innings |
Earned runs = runs that score because of the pitcher’s mistakes (not fielding errors).
Innings pitched = how long the pitcher stayed in the game. A full game is usually 9 innings. Miller lasted less than half.
The Historic Numbers: How Rare Is This?
According to ESPN Research, Miller became only the fourth pitcher in MLB history to lose back-to-back starts by 17 or more runs.
The last time it happened?
George Van Haltren of the Brooklyn Wonders — in 1890. That’s 136 years ago.
Fun Fact: The Brooklyn Wonders were a team in the short-lived Players’ League, which only lasted one season!
Also, the Mariners became just the fifth team in 125 seasons to lose two games by 17+ runs within a six-game span. The last team to do it? The 1933 Philadelphia Phillies.
Miller’s Struggles This Season
Miller hasn’t been himself lately. Here’s a snapshot of his 2026 season so far:
- Record: 4 wins, 8 losses (4–8)
- ERA: 4.12
ERA (Earned Run Average) = average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per 9 innings. Lower is better. 4.12 is below average for a starter.
- Last 8 starts: 0 wins, 8 losses
- Last 30⅔ innings: 27 earned runs allowed
- Sunday’s game vs. Cubs:
- Career-high 7 walks (free passes to first base)
- Gave up a grand slam (home run with bases loaded = 4 runs) to Ian Happ in the 3rd inning
- Walked three batters in a row with two outs before the grand slam
Walk = when the pitcher throws four balls outside the strike zone, the batter gets to go to first base for free. Too many walks = trouble.
Miller admitted after the game:
"Obviously, it’s frustrating. The whole last month has been frustrating. I just gotta get back to who I am."
— via The Seattle Times
He also mentioned a lat muscle issue (a muscle in the back/shoulder area), but refused to use it as an excuse.
What the Team Is Saying
Mariners manager Dan Wilson was asked if Miller might move to the bullpen (relief pitcher role — shorter outings, less pressure to go deep into games).
His answer?
"We’re looking at everything."
That means the team is considering all options — including demoting him from the starting rotation.
The Rest of the Game: It Got Ugly Late
Miller only pitched 4⅓ innings. The final score was 19–2, but most of the damage happened after he left.
In the 8th inning, backup catcher Jhonny Pereda came in to pitch (yes, a catcher pitching — that only happens when the game is already out of hand).
Pereda gave up 7 runs, including a grand slam to Pedro Ramirez.
Position player pitching = when a non-pitcher (like a catcher or outfielder) throws an inning. It’s a "white flag" move — the team has given up on winning.
Mariners Still in the Playoff Hunt?!
Despite these two historic blowouts, the Mariners are still alive in the playoff race.
- Current record: 62–69 (7 games under .500)
- Standing: 3 games back of the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers for 1st place in the American League West
AL West = one of six divisions in MLB. The winner goes to the playoffs automatically.
Games back = how many games behind the leader. 3 games = very catchable with ~30 games left.
What’s Next for Miller and the Mariners?
Here’s what could happen next — step by step:
- Team evaluates Miller’s health — Is the lat issue affecting him more than he says?
- Decision on role — Stay in rotation? Move to bullpen? Go to minor leagues to reset?
- Upcoming schedule — Mariners need every game to count down the stretch.
- Playoff push — Even with a losing record, the weak AL West keeps them in it.
Important Points to Remember
Miller lost two starts in a row by 17+ runs — only 4th pitcher ever, first since 1890.
He’s lost 8 straight starts and has a 4.12 ERA.
Walks are a major problem — 7 in one game is a career high.
Manager says "we’re looking at everything" — bullpen move possible.
Mariners still only 3 games out of 1st place in a weak division.
Backup catcher pitched and gave up a grand slam — game was already over.
Summary
Bryce Miller, a starting pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, just had one of the worst two-start stretches in baseball history. He gave up 22 runs to the Brewers and 19 to the Cubs — becoming only the fourth pitcher since 1890 to lose back-to-back games by 17+ runs.
He’s struggling with command (too many walks), confidence, and possibly a lat injury. The team is open to moving him to the bullpen.
But here’s the wild part: The Mariners are still in the playoff race, just 3 games out of first in the AL West.
Baseball is weird. And this week? It was really weird.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What does "ERA" mean again?
ERA (Earned Run Average) tells you how many runs a pitcher typically gives up over 9 innings. A 4.12 ERA means Miller allows about 4 runs per game — not great for a starter.
2. Why would a catcher pitch in a real game?
When a team is losing by a lot (like 15+ runs), they don’t want to waste their real pitchers. So they let a position player (like a catcher) throw an inning. It’s rare, but legal.
3. What’s the "bullpen"?
The bullpen is where relief pitchers warm up. A bullpen move means Miller would pitch shorter outings (1–2 innings) instead of starting games. Less pressure, fewer pitches.
4. How can the Mariners be in the playoff race with a losing record?
Their division (AL West) is weak this year. No team is dominating. So even at 62–69, they’re only 3 games behind the leaders.
5. Has any pitcher ever come back from this bad a stretch?
Yes! Many pitchers have slumps, even All-Stars. If Miller fixes his command (throwing strikes) and gets healthy, he can bounce back. But time is running out in 2026.
This article is based on reporting from ESPN and The Seattle Times. The Associated Press contributed.