Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Explains Decision to Take Bobby Miller Out Early
After another solid outing from rookie pitcher Bobby Miller, there were questions about why manager Dave Roberts pulled him early.
Miller went six innings of one hit, one run ball against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night, en route to another Dodgers win. But once again, he didn’t pitch into the 7th inning, despite being at just 74 pitches. Roberts explained his reasoning after the game.
“I’m going to be the first to tell you that there’s no exact science to it. But I do know that all innings, all pitches, all number of pitches aren’t created equal,” Roberts said. “And so the first time in the Major Leagues, with every pitch at a premium, there’s certainly more intensity. So I think for us to really talk through this situation with Bobby and appreciate that is important. And he’s right there in those conversations. But the ?1 goal is for his health and to have plenty more left for October.”
Per Dodgers Insider
LA didn’t exactly need Miller to stay in the game, as they jumped out to a lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. So, it does make sense to try and preserve Miller for down the stretch.
After all, he is a rookie, and you don’t want to start seeing any signs of burnout from the long season.
Miller retired 18 straight Brewers to put an end to his dominant performance. It was the kind of showing that LA needed against a good team in Milwaukee.
“With Bobby, you’re looking at do you cut him off, give him a reset, give him two weeks to kind of let the calendar pass by. But for me, for the organization, we just feel he’s throwing the ball so well, he’s learning every time out there, he’s big and physical,” Roberts said. “And so to keep him going, to make his starts, but when we get an opportunity to shorten him a little bit, let’s do it. And it’s helpful that Bobby understands that. And he’s not letting that affect every fifth or sixth day he goes out there.”
Per Dodgers Insider
LA has relied upon multiple rookies this season, including Miller. He has stepped up as one of the most impressive ones and will likely be a staple in the Dodgers rotation going forward.
The team seems to trust him, and he is likely to be a part of the postseason rotation.
For now, Miller just needs to continue going out there and executing. The rest will come to him and he has made the most of the opportunity granted to him this season.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Please subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more all year long!
