While the Los Angeles Dodgers went into the 2023 season planning to give their pitching prospects an opportunity to contribute, that came much earlier than expected for Bobby Miller and others.
Miller was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City on May 23, becoming the third Dodgers prospect to make his MLB debut last year. That came against the Atlanta Braves, an opportunity the right-hander embraced and held a potent lineup to just one run over five innings to earn the win.
Miller remained in the Dodgers rotation on a temporary basis for ensuing starts against the Washington Nationals and New York Yankees before earning a more permanent place in June when Noah Syndergaard landed on the 15-day injured list.
The Dodgers also were without Dustin May and Julio Urías at the time due to respective right elbow and left hamstring injuries.
Miller stayed up with the Dodgers for the rest of the 2023 season and had some moments of struggles and growth while flashing the potential that had him ranked among the best pitching prospects in baseball.
He finished the year 11-4 with a 3.76 ERA, 3.51 FIP and 1.10 WHIP over 22 starts. Miller then took the mound in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, but struggled to the tune of allowing three runs over just 1.2 innings pitched.
When reflecting on his rookie season as a whole, Miller said he was satisfied with development made throughout the year and learning experiences.
Miller received a pre-arbitration bonus for his strong rookie season.
Bobby Miller 2023 highlight
Miller began his MLB career by allowing one earned run or fewer in four consecutive starts. The stretch included a dominant performance against the Yankees, which left manager Aaron Boone thoroughly impressed.
On September 3, Miller set a career high with seven innings pitched against the Braves, and later that month recorded nine strikeouts — his most in any start thus far.
2024 outlook
Not only is Miller projected to take on a larger role in the Dodgers rotation this season, he is also going to have a new number starting in 2024.
Miller’s new jersey with the Dodgers is No. 28, which last was worn by J.D. Martinez during the 2023 season.
Miller should combine with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow to give the Dodgers a formidable trio of right-handed starters to lead the rotation.
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