Miles Mikolas, a right-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the San Diego Padres. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2009 MLB Draft, Mikolas made his debut with the Padres in 2012. Initially, he played as a relief pitcher, appearing in 25 games during his first season. His performance was modest, with a 3.62 ERA over 32.1 innings pitched.
In 2013, Mikolas continued with the Padres but spent most of the season in the minor leagues, only appearing in two games for the major league team. The following year, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates and then to the Texas Rangers. It was with the Rangers in 2014 that Mikolas transitioned to a starting pitcher role. He started 10 games for Texas, but struggled to find consistency, finishing the season with a 6.44 ERA.
Seeking to refine his skills, Mikolas took an unconventional path by signing with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan for the 2015 season. This move proved beneficial for his career. Over three seasons with the Giants, Mikolas developed into a reliable starting pitcher. He posted impressive numbers, including a 2.18 ERA in 2015 and a 2.25 ERA in 2017, earning him recognition as one of the top pitchers in the league.
Mikolas's success in Japan caught the attention of MLB teams, and he returned to the United States in 2018, signing a two-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. His return to MLB was marked by a breakout season. Mikolas became a mainstay in the Cardinals' rotation, finishing the 2018 season with an 18-4 record and a 2.83 ERA. His performance earned him an All-Star selection and he finished sixth in the National League Cy Young Award voting.
In 2019, Mikolas continued to be a reliable presence for the Cardinals, though his numbers dipped slightly. He ended the season with a 9-14 record and a 4.16 ERA. Despite the regression, he remained an integral part of the Cardinals' pitching staff.
The 2020 season presented challenges for Mikolas. He was sidelined for the entire season due to a flexor tendon injury that required surgery. This setback was a significant hurdle in his career, but Mikolas worked diligently to return to the mound.
In 2021, Mikolas made his comeback with the Cardinals. Although he faced additional injuries that limited his playing time, he managed to pitch in nine games, posting a 4.23 ERA. His perseverance and ability to overcome adversity were evident as he worked to regain his form.
Throughout his career, Miles Mikolas demonstrated adaptability and growth.
⚾