Angels vs Mariners Preview & Recap: Bryce Miller’s Status, Emerson Hancock Updates & What’s Next

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1 month ago

Recent Game Context: Mariners’ Bullpen Surge

Seattle enters their upcoming series with the Los Angeles Angels riding a run of strong bullpen performances. In their most recent outing vs. the St. Louis Cardinals, the Mariners’ pen worked 23 innings over five games allowing just two unearned runs, eight hits, three walks, and striking out 22.
Emerson Hancock, who has been bouncing between roles (starter, minor leagues, bullpen), made a recent return to Seattle’s bullpen, doing well in two scoreless innings in relief during the Mariners’ 4-2 win over St. Louis.
The bullpen’s resurgence is coming at a critical time: Seattle is pushing in the AL West race and chasing a wild card slot. Keeping arms fresh and effective will be vital.

Bryce Miller was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier in the 2025 season with right elbow inflammation, becoming a missing piece in Seattle’s starting rotation.
At the time of his IL placement, Miller held a 2-4 record with a 5.22 ERA, 21 walks, and 35 strikeouts over about 39 2/3 innings in eight starts.
His absence has forced the Mariners to lean on other starters (like Emerson Hancock) and rely more heavily on bullpen depth. Replacing Miller’s innings and potential is a challenge, especially against teams with deep lineups like the Angels.

Hancock, a former first-round pick (2020), has had an up-and-down run as a starter. Early in the season he posted high ERAs and WHIPs, struggled with consistency, and was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.
But in recent weeks, Seattle has begun using him in relief roles (or mixed roles), where his stuff has played up. High velocity, better leveraged innings, and shorter outings have helped.
Statistically for the 2025 season (as of early September): Hancock is 4-5 record, ~5.29 ERA, and a 1.45 WHIP. He’s struck out 55 batters over ~83 innings. Saddle that with springs of good starts and stretches of rough ones.
His recent bullpen usage includes two scoreless frames vs. St. Louis, bringing hope that he can be a bullpen piece behind the primary arms or possibly spot start when needed.

The Los Angeles Angels, with a 69-77 record (per sources in Mariners preview), are in a rebuilding or evaluation phase. Their offense has had bursts (home runs by players like Logan O’Hoppe) but has struggled for consistency.
On pitching, without facing Miller when he’s healthy, the Angels hope to exploit matchups when Seattle’s rotation is thin. They may also target exposed bullpen arms or relievers who are less accustomed to high-pressure outings.
Key players:
- José Soriano is mentioned as a starter in the upcoming opener vs. Mariners. How well he can limit damage early and keep the game close will matter.
- Offensively, players like Logan O’Hoppe, and recent homers will be under the spotlight to produce more reliable output.

Sir Harry Ford for the win! pic.twitter.com/9FdrgLR1kJ

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 12, 2025

The two teams are set for a four-game series, beginning Thursday night, with Seattle hosting. This series matters more for Seattle (contending) than for the Angels, but late-season series always carry potential surprises.
Important matchups:
- Angels’ offense vs Mariners bullpen: With several relievers working multiple days, Seattle will test Angels’ ability to string together offense against fresh arms.
- Starters vs middle innings: Hancock’s limited starter production but recent bullpen work suggests that Seattle might also mix in bullpen use or short starts to preserve arms.
- Pitching health: Miller’s return timeline and Hancock’s effectiveness will be key for projecting future performance.

[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]

Statcast Game Preview for the upcoming matchup offers data on exit velocities, launch angles, sprint speeds, and pitcher arsenal matchup — helpful in anticipating how each team will attack offensively.
For Hancock: looking at his K/9, walk rates, hard hit allowed and home run rates will help judge whether recent improvement is sustainable or just a short run of favorable matchups. (His season numbers suggest volatility)
For Bryce Miller, once he returns: His past home/away splits, ability to avoid walks, and pitch efficiency will be things Mariners fans scrutinize. Also his ERA vs AL West opponents in prior years.

easy there, luke lol pic.twitter.com/5MyGzM6ChH

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 12, 2025

Mariners hitters who often face Seattle relievers in hard matchups may see better opportunities when bullpen depth is needed. Similarly, players on the Angels may benefit in games where Seattle’s bullpen is taxed.
Emerson Hancock: probably limited fantasy relevance unless used in deeper formats or if he transitions back into consistent starter roles. But recent bullpen scoreless outings increase his value as a potential spot starter or in streaming matchups.
Bryce Miller: His IL status makes him unavailable; fantasy managers need to look for alternative Mariners starters during his time out.
Angels hitters: those with power potential (like O’Hoppe or others) could be upside plays if they get good matchups vs Seattle relievers.

Seattle is signaling a two-pronged approach: manage starters carefully (with injuries to arms like Miller’s) while leaning on bullpen strength to keep games tight. If Seattle can keep winning and holding close, even with shaky starting pitching, that bodes well for their wild card push.
For the Angels, these games represent chances to evaluate young players, perhaps experiment with bullpen roles, and set priorities for the off-season.
The performances of Hancock and whatever Miller returns to will likely influence how Seattle handles its rotation in the closing weeks — who to trust, who to rest, who to option.