2021 Phillies Top Prospects Countdown: #5 LHP Erik Miller

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Left-handed pitcher Erik Miller is widely regarded as one of the Phillies most promising prospects. Selected in the 4th round of the 2019 draft out of Stanford, the Missouri native quickly made an impact as a professional and was promoted twice in his brief stint in the minor leagues.

At three levels of the minors as a 21-year-old, Miller tallied a 1-0 record with a 1.50 ERA, a .188 batting average against, a 1.11WHIP along with a 13.0 K/9 mark in 11 appearances.

Listed at six-feet-five, 240 pounds, Miller likely would have pitched at the Double-A level last year if the minor league season had not been cancelled due to the pandemic.

Regarded as one of the best college lefties in his draft class, Miller was outstanding in college as well. In his junior season (2019), Miller was named as a Baseball America second team Preseason All-American. In 16 starts that season, he posted an 8-3 record with a 3.48 ERA, a .224 batting average against and an 11.1 K/9 mark.

Miller updated his pitch repertoire after signing with the Phillies. He changed his "slurve" offering into two distinct pitches, adding a curve ball and a slider. The vertical break of the curve will compliment the other offerings, which are a mid-90's four-seam fastball and a change up.

Last year, during his down time, Miller found it beneficial to become somewhat of his own coach. Getting his work in away from the ballparks was necessary, so he learned to determine feedback on what he saw and felt with his personal sessions. He pitched with a routine that would allow him to simulate a full season.

He was able to participate in the fall instructional league and saw some game action there.

This year, look for Miller to open the campaign at the Double-A level. An estimated time of arrival in the big leagues could be a year away.

You can keep tabs on this year's Phillies prospects countdown by clicking on this link.

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