Bobby Miller Reacts to Rough Return From IL for Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their third consecutive win on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox, 4-3. The victory didn’t come without its share of hiccups. Dodgers starting pitcher Bobby Miller struggled mightily in his second start since returning from the IL, needing 60 pitches to record six outs.
In two innings, Miller allowed four hits, three walks, and three runs — all earned. He struck out one batter.
In two starts since returning from the injured list, Miller has allowed 10 hits and eight runs — all earned — in 8.1 innings. Even before he went on the injured list April 13 with inflammation in his right shoulder, he was having a tough time since his tremendous first start of the season back in March.
The Dodgers used six relievers to scratch and claw their way to a victory Tuesday, but Miller couldn’t help but react to his rough return from the IL.
“Obviously I’ve been in a tough spot lately. It’s been tough going back to rehab, it just feels like I’m going through spring training again. One thing I can say is every time I’m out there I’m giving it my all every single time. All it takes is just one good outing again just to get in the swing of things. I’m just not going to doubt myself. I know who I am. I know who I can be. I’m just going to keep trusting myself out there.”
— Bobby Miller, via SportsNet LA
Miller didn’t factor into Tuesday’s game after the Dodgers came back down from 3-1. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn’t sugarcoat Miller’s outing as well but added he’s happy that he’s back on the mound for L.A.
“I think tonight he just didn’t have feel. You could see he was searching all night. His stuff just wasn’t really sharp, teethy, to put guys away. The changeup was a ball out of hand. The slider was rolling up there. And the fastball, when he did make some good throws with the fastball, they were spoiling them. I’m satisfied he’s healthy, but I’m just not satisfied with the execution or the sharpness of his secondary pitches.”
— Dave Roberts, via SportsNet LA
Miller has plenty of time to return to his pre-injury form. Hopefully, starts like his two most recent outings against the White Sox and Rockies won’t become a trend.
Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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All it takes is just one good outing again just to get in the swing of things.
Uh, no. Just ask Walker Buhler how that works in real life.
Buehler is another animal. He’s proven himself over the last 5-6 years. His issue is a 2 surgeries/injury problem. I played Pro ball. Miller is ‘meat’ until he learns how to command his pitches. Jerry Hairston said as much after his 2 inning debacle. Most everybody can throw hard, but that’s not enough to be a successful Big League pitcher today. Most Pro hitters can hit Hi Heat. but command of your pitches keeps hitters off balance, and that’s how you get outs…and wins!
Bobby Miller is NOT ready for MLB Prime Time! He talks a good game, but doesn’t back it up. It’s still early in his career, but there’s too many questions that are still unanswered. Last year his ERA was close to 4. Yes, he was out with a shoulder issue, but this year in 2 starts it’s 6.75. We’ve said it before, his MECHANICS and COMMAND of his pitches are major problems, and no matter that he throws hard, major league hitters can hit hard stuff, especially if you can’t command your other pitches. Jerry Hairston Jr. mentioned it the other night after his 2 inning disaster. He said Miller opens up his shoulders, exposes his arm and hand to the hitter, falls off towards 1st base in his follow through, which puts him off-balance, and does not allow him to properly locate his pitches because of it. Notice Yamamoto’s mechanics. He CONTROLS his pitches; has COMMAND of them, and his pitching mechanics are stellar. Bobby Miller, as we have said, is not reliable, not ready, and needs to go down to AAA, and correct these issues, or he will never reach any potential he might have as a MLB starter.
We watched Bobby Miller once again go into the self-destruct mode. Until he matures between the ears he’s just going to be a hard throwing, uncontrolled disaster.