Could Bobby Miller Force Dodgers to Use a 6-Man Rotation?
The Dodgers starting rotation has excelled this season and has done so without one of its most promising arms. Young right-hander Bobby Miller has not made a start since April 10 after being placed on the injured list with shoulder inflammation.
Miller made a minor league rehab start Saturday with Class-A Rancho Cucamonga. Afterward, he shrugged off a mid-game velocity drop, and essentially counted the game as a box checked off his rehab to-do list.
The Dodgers will need to look at their rotation to make room for Miller. Walker Buehler’s recent return has filled the rotation with quality options for starting pitchers.
Gavin Stone has cemented himself in this rotation with his performance this year. He has a 3.16 ERA on the year and has allowed two runs or less in seven of his last eight starts.
James Paxton does not have any options in his contract. So, the Dodgers would either have to release the veteran or trade him. Paxton has exceeded expectations, giving the team both quality and length this season.
This could lead the team to utilize a six-man rotation officially. So far this season, the Dodgers have given their pitchers an extra day’s rest by throwing a bullpen game about once a week. But so long as the rest of the rotation is healthy and effective — as they are now — the 6-man rotation is looking like a viable option.
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And what about Kersh after the break? This could get even more complicated but, as far as predicaments go, I’ll happily take this one.
Yes, it’s a good problem to have. I think Friedman no way wants to repeat last year when they didn’t have enough pitchingand got embarrassed in the playoffs.
So my best guess is Miller makes 6 until Kershaw comes back and then someone goes to the bullpen to keep it at 6. We can’t know who that would be but my guess would be Miller, especially if his hi 90’s fastball returns.
Yes, of course, go to a 6 man rotation. Glasnow, Yamamoto, Buehler, Paxton, Stone, Miller. Excellent. Hope they all stay healthy. Next up Kershaw, then maybe Dustin May.