Mariners shortstop Brad Miller went just 3 for 17 (.176) in the last four games leading into the All-Star break, including six strikeouts, to lower his batting line to .246/.324./.393. Strikeouts have been an issue for Miller thus far in the major leagues, as he has whiffed 16 times in 68 plate appearances (23.5 percent).
One of the biggest issues for prospects coming up to the major leagues is making contact with the advanced breaking balls major-league pitchers possess in comparison to their minor-league brethren. According to Brooks Baseball, Miller has swung and missed at less than 10 percent of all fastballs (including cutters), but he is well over 10 percent on every other pitch type, including over 20 percent on sliders. If he is to hit for average like he did in the minors -- no stint worse than .294 -- he'll have to show an ability to adjust to the slow stuff.