Dodgers News: Bobby Miller’s Role in the Postseason is Up to Him
Heading into spring training, there was a background hope that 2023 would be the year of Bobby Miller for the Dodgers. Miller entered camp behind schedule after working through a shoulder issue and got his season started a few weeks later than planned, joining the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers team a few weeks into April.
Injuries forced LA to call on him a bit earlier than planned this year and, save for a few bad outings, it’s been an unmitigated success for the rookie right-hander.
With about six weeks until October, the Dodgers are starting to alter course a bit with Miller with an eye on a potential role on the postseason roster. Manager Dave Roberts talked to reporters recently saying what that role ends up being is up to Bobby.
“Yeah. But it’s up to him to continue to make himself a bigger part of that picture. Because other guys have had track records which should be of importance and of value. But you can’t argue the arm talent… so now it’s up to him.”
Via SportsNet LA PreGame
As we saw in his most recent start, the Dodgers and Roberts are try to give Miller a helping hand toward a playoff role in the rotation. The starting pitcher was pulled after 6 innings and just 74 pitches as the club looks to be mindful of his innings and, more specifically, workload.
“Where we’re at, we’re in a good spot with Bobby,” Roberts said. “The question is how do we continue to remain in that position? An inning here [and there], I think that could work.”
With veteran ace Clayton Kershaw, the front office was comfortable giving him a midseason break (even if he didn’t want it). For the rookie Miller, Roberts admits there’s hesitation to do the same.
Following his magnificent 6 innings on Tuesday night, Miller is now at a cumulative 89.2 innings pitched (75.1 MLB / 14.1 MiLB) this season, putting him in a good spot to reasonably surpass his workload from last year (career-high 112.1 IP).
The way things are lining up — with Tony Gonsolin likely out for the season — Miller’s biggest competition for a spot in the postseason rotation is probably Ryan Pepiot and possibly Walker Buehler, who is aiming to return in September. A tough decision is on the horizon for Roberts and company, but really, Bobby seems very deserving of some meaningful innings in October.
Photo Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports
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