Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Was ‘Surprised’ by Shelby Miller Move to 60-Day IL

Before going on the injured list with a neck issue, Shelby Miller was one of the best relievers in the Dodger bullpen. The hope was that the veteran hurler would return to the bullpen shortly after the All-Star break, but on Friday, the Dodgers transferred Miller to the 60-day IL, keeping him out of action until mid-to-late August at best.

Before Friday night’s rout of the Mets, Dave Roberts caught up with reporters about the unexpected move.

“I’m as surprised as everyone with Shelby going on the 60-day,” Roberts said. “It just hasn’t come along. The hope is that he’ll be moving and doing stuff before that and we’ll get him back. I think for me, I talked to Shelby recently by text and he’s looking forward to coming back at some point this season.”

Via LA Times

Miller had become one of Roberts’ most trusted arms out of the bullpen this season. He appeared in 25 of the team’s first 69 games, posting a 2.40 ERA while striking out 31 batters in 30 innings.

The Dodgers haven’t given many details about Miller’s injury, but with the bad update, the club’s need to acquire a reliever or two at the Aug. 1 trade deadline becomes even more obvious. Thankfully, the belief is that he’ll be able to return and help at some point in 2023.

Injury Riddled Bullpen

Injuries have been the big story of the 2023 season for LA. At the moment, 12 pitchers on the 40-man roster are on the injured list with nine of those on the 60-day IL and only three of those nine expected to return this season. The Dodger pitching staff has lost nearly 750 days worth of man hours (and counting) on the IL, the most in baseball by a wide margin.

Photo credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

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