Was Mason Miller tipping his pitches in the Padres' Game 2 NLDS loss? - USA Today

Since joining the Padres ahead of the trade deadline last season, Mason Miller has been borderline unhittable as the closer for San Diego. He can hit 104 mph with his fastball. He has an absurd slider. Basically, he's a nightmare for opposing hitters.

But in Sunday's Game 2 of the NLDS, the Brewers had about as good of a read on Miller as we've seen from anyone this season. And there's a good chance that it was because the Brewers knew what pitch Miller was throwing.

In looking at Jackson Chourio's game-winning at-bat, the Brewers outfielder showed stunning discipline against Miller. He swung at every fastball that was thrown in the strike zone. And on the lone slider that Miller threw in the at-bat, Chourio was able to hold off in a two-strike count one pitch after seeing 103 mph.

The likely reason? Miller was positioning his hands differently in his glove on a fastball than he would on a slider.

When Miller would throw a fastball, his hand was brought more towards his belt line with his wrist visible to the runner on second. And if fans were able to pick up on that inconsistency, it's almost certain that the Brewers took notice and were able to relay the pitch to Chourio. Sal Frelick could be seen going to his neck to signal from second base once Miller came set.

Simply put, this isn't a take from a batter who is guessing up there.

The good news for the Padres is that the inconsistency is out there now. Miller can fix that tell and continue to be a dominant closer. But with the Brewers up 2-0 in the best-of-five series, it might be too late.