When Will Bobby Miller Return to Dodgers From Triple-A?

Tuesday marked the worst start of 25-year-old Bobby Miller’s career. The next day, he was optioned to the minor leagues for the first time since April of last year. 

What do the Dodgers need from Miller before he can return to the rotation?

“No. 1, we got to get him right,” Roberts said. “That’s the impetus. And what’s the best way to get him right mentally, emotionally and mechanically.”

— Dave Roberts, via the Southern California News Group

In Miller’s last seven appearances, he had a record of 1-2 and an 8.07 ERA. He tallied 27 strikeouts, 18 walks, and allowed 35 hits across 29 innings. As a rookie last season, Miller posted a 3.76 ERA with an 11-4 record. He accumulated 119 strikeouts, 32 walks, and allowed 105 hits. Batters are averaging .304 this season against Miller, significantly higher than last season’s .226 average. 

“You have a path to either continue to go as we have been, and hope that it turns – or remove him from the situation, option him, and give him a reset to get out of this hot box of performance. So we just felt this was the best thing for Bobby and for us. He’s a big part of what we’re trying to do this year, so we just felt that’s the best thing to do.”

— Roberts, via the Southern California News Group

Although there is no set date for Miller to return to the big league roster, there is a plan to help him reset. Miller will train with the Dodgers’ Director of Pitching, Rob Hill, during the All-Star break. One or more starts with Triple-A Oklahoma City will follow, according to the Southern California News Group.

Miller has only been reactivated from the 15-day injured list since June. He spent two months on the sidelines dealing with right shoulder inflammation. 

Injuries have plagued the Dodgers rotation throughout the season. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Walker Buehler are on the IL, with Clayton Kershaw set to begin a rehab assignment soon. Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin have been on the rehab trail since undergoing Tommy John surgery last year.

Sending Miller to the minor league lessens the organization’s depth of healthy starting pitchers, but the Dodgers’ front office is looking at the bigger picture when making this decision. 

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

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