Garrett McMillan leading late season charge to fill innings

With organization limits, teams scrambling to fill innings to close out the season

Aug 15, 2024

Injuries happen, it’s just as much a part of the game as anything else. That’s especially true for pitchers, and with the limits on the number of players teams can have in the organization, it was going to be interesting to see how innings are managed toward the end of the season.

Now more than ever, starting pitchers must work deeper into games to prevent teams from overworking their staff. This also means that even relievers must be ready to throw multiple innings when called upon.

One player who has answered the call, more so of late, has been Greensboro Grasshoppers’ right-hander Garrett McMillan.

McMillan was drafted out of Alabama in the 14th round of the 2023 draft. After a solid overall stint in Bradenton, McMillan was finally promoted to Greensboro for the second time.

He had a 2.92 ERA in 49.1 innings pitched with the Marauders but had made a spot appearance in High-A on June 9.

Now, with pitching getting thin, McMillan was promoted to Greensboro, where he has been the starter in two bullpen games. He’s been fantastic in those outings, including three innings on Wednesday, in which he struck out six and generated 12 swinging strikes.

Along with his first game in Greensboro on June 9, McMillan has nine innings at the level, allowing eight hits and two runs (none earned) while walking two and striking out 12.

He’s been tremendous at filling innings for whoever he has played for, 22 of his 32 games this year McMillan has gotten four or more outs. He’s pitched at least two innings 18 times. He’s gone three or more innings six times.

With just a couple of weeks left in the minor league season, at least for the lower levels, teams will scramble to ensure they can fill some innings. Having someone like McMillan is going to become that much more critical.

Share Bucs On Deck

Being a lower-level reliever isn’t the most glamorous job, but it needs to be done. A lot of times, when you take pitchers in the later rounds of the draft, this is the best you can hope for, a reliable arm that can fill innings without consistently getting beat up.

McMillan has done well and will likely continue to be relied on to fill this kind of role going forward for the Grasshoppers, who have three more series be counted on c left after their current one against Bowling Green.

This site is 100% reader-supported, with no revenue coming from ads. If you enjoy our work, consider becoming a paid member today.

You will not only help the site grow but also get access to our fantastic premium content, which includes our Top 25 rankings and full-player write-ups, video breakdowns, and any features that come from my on-site trips.