(Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

The Seattle Mariners -- the only active MLB franchise never to play in a World Series -- may have a shot to end that drought this year.

After all, the Mariners are in first place in the American League West, and they are coming off a 2025 season during which they reached the American League Championship Series. And, if they do make the World Series, it figures that right-hander Bryce Miller will be a big part of their story.

Miller, who is set to start against the host Miami Marlins on Thursday night, is having a terrific season. He is 4-2 with a 1.71 ERA and is averaging 12.4 strikeouts per every walk. Due to his elite command, he is allowing just 5.1 hits and 0.9 walks per nine innings. He has given up seven home runs, but five have been solo blasts.

'I've been executing my stuff, keeping guys off the bases, and, if I give up a homer, I'm giving up solos,' said Miller, who is 1-1 with a 6.30 ERA in two career starts against Miami. 'The main thing is being healthy and confident.'

Miller started this season on the injured list due to an oblique issue. He made his season debut on May 13, and Thursday will mark his 10th start of the season.

Last year, Miller had elbow inflammation and made only 18 starts all season, going 4-6 with a 5.68 ERA.

This year, he has increased the velocity on his fastball, splitter and slider by about 2 mph, and he has reduced his hard-hit ratio. Plus, he is throwing strikes on 71% of his pitches.

Ironically, in 2018, Miller was drafted by the Marlins in the 38th round out of a Texas junior college (Blinn), but he didn't sign until Seattle picked him in the fourth round out of Texas A&M in 2021.

Meanwhile, the Marlins -- who beat Seattle 2-0 on Wednesday -- will go for a three-game sweep on Thursday. It was Miami's eighth shutout of the season, and the Marlins are riding a five-game winning streak.

In addition, Miami has won six straight home series.

On Thursday, Miami will start right-hander Janson Junk (3-5, 4.80 ERA), who hasn't pitched in the majors since beating the Toronto Blue Jays 8-2 on May 25, throwing strikes on 71% of his pitches.

Junk, who had an injury to his right shin, pitched in his second rehab game last Saturday, throwing 61 pitches. Junk's rehab was difficult because in his first rehab

start, he was hit by a 106-mph comebacker, which struck him on his left wrist.

Junk has faced the Mariners just once -- and it was a rough relief outing. On Sept. 4, 2024, while pitching for the A's, he allowed six hits, two walks and seven runs, two earned. He did not retire a batter.

Regardless, Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said he is thrilled to get Junk back. Junk joins another starting pitcher, Eury Perez, who returned from injury last month.

'We're getting some pieces back,' McCullough said. 'I'm excited to get Janson back. He's a quality pitcher. Hopefully, he can pick right back up and help us win.'

The only negative for the Marlins is that rookie right fielder Owen Caissie was removed from Wednesday's game due to right-calf tightness.

'We'll get some further exams done,' McCullough said. 'We'll have a better idea (on Thursday).'

--Field Level Media