Padres closer Mason Miller reveals emotional family cancer story amid trade rumors

Mason Miller arrived at All-Star week as one of baseball’s most dominant closers and one of the most debated Padres’ trade chips.But the most meaningful thing he revealed in Philadelphia had nothing to do the MLB trade deadline or taking the mound in the ninth inning.According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, Miller became emotional during All-Star media availability while discussing his mother, Kirstin, who is battling cancer.The Padres closer said he plans to honor her during Tuesday night’s Stand Up To Cancer moment, when players, coaches, umpires and fans pause during the All-Star Game to hold placards for loved ones affected by the disease.Miller said his card will read simply: “Mom.”“I’m not looking to super get into it,” Miller said through tears, according to the report.

“But I’m going to put it on my sign.So it’s not a secret.”In June, when the Padres placed him on the bereavement/family medical leave list before a series in St.

Louis.At the time, manager Craig Stammen said only that Miller had “a personal matter he has to attend to” and wanted to keep it private.Now, less than a month later, Miller is discussing that family situation publicly at the All-Star Game while also answering questions about whether the Padres might move him before the deadline.Yankees speculation came up often, which is hardly surprising.

New York is almost always on the lookout for bullpen help, has the resources to shop at the top of the market and would have obvious use for one of the sport’s most overpowering arms.“The rumors are what they are,” Miller said.“The Yankees are a good team, and they’re obviously a team that is going to add most years.

I think it’s just a compliment in a way that good teams are interested in good players.”Miller also joked that New York is “a big city” and added, “I can’t say I’m a big city guy.”The fit is easy to understand.Miller’s fastball has averaged more than 101 mph this season, and...