Astros: The Miley Chronicles Vol. 6: The Good, the Bad, and the Miley

Astros’ Wade Miley understands that pitching in the Majors can be tough, and if the team’s bats are struggling, it’s hard for pitchers to hold things down.

Wade Miley has done an excellent job for the Astros all year and despite the lack of offense, he’s been consistent by allowing only four runs in just four of his sixteen starts this season.

On June 9, Wade Miley collected his 6th win on the season, recording a quality start along with five strikeouts and giving up zero runs. He induced 13 ground ball outs in this game, he did this by using his cutter and his curveball as his go-to pitches.

His next start came in the middle of the Astros seven-game skid and he only lasted 4.1 innings. Even though he only surrendered three runs, the Astros eventually lost that game 6-4.

In his most recent start, Miley had a five-inning, seven strikeout, no decision outing. He was pitching a gem until giving up a home run to the Bronx Bombers. After leaving the game being down, Yordan Alvarez, the Astros red hot rookie, put Houston in front, but only for a short while. It would seem the lack of wins accumulated by Miley in his last three games would be a bad thing. I would argue to the contrary.

HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 04: Manager A.J. Hinch #14 of the Houston Astros and general manager Jeff Luhnow talk during batting practice at Minute Maid Park on April 4, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)Miley coming into 2019 was expected by some to “fill in the gap” until maybe the Astros could get a bigger arm through a midseason trade. The results he has produced would take that reasoning and body slam it from the top rope. Jeff Luhnow seems to have struck gold with Miley. In a year where the Astros lose two lefties to free agency, he has done a solid job.

Look for Miley to continue his contributions, as the club gets back to 100% healthy and the offense heats back up. I would say he’s in line for several more wins. He could easily earn a career-high wins this season. His highest total was back in 2012 when he won 16 games. While that seems bold, having a healthy lineup coupled with a minimal ERA and quality starts is a good recipe to set a career best in the win category.