A heavily-used Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen was put right back into a difficult position one game out of an off day as Tanner Scott’s fourth blown save of the season led to extra innings against the New York Mets.
The Dodgers had already needed to rely on their bullpen earlier than anticipated due to a rain delay limiting Clayton Kershaw to just two innings pitched. The Dodgers went on to use seven of eight available relievers in the 13-inning game.
That prompted the club to recall Bobby Miller from Triple-A Oklahoma City, with Matt Sauer getting optioned.
According to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, manager Dave Roberts said Miller is going to fill a role out of the Dodgers bullpen rather than be part of their starting rotation:
He won’t be starting this time around, Roberts said. Miller was just called up to provide length out of the bullpen if needed.
Miller pitched the final two innings of the Dodgers’ loss on Saturday. It marked the first relief appearance of his Major League career. The right-hander gave up a hit but faced the minimum in a scoreless seventh inning.
Miller then allowed three baserunners in the eighth, including an RBI double to Brett Baty that provided insurance for the Mets in their 5-2 win.
This marks Miller’s second stint up with the Dodgers this season. He struggled in a spot start on April 16 and was optioned back to Oklahoma City the following day.
While in Triple-A this season, Miller is 1-1 with a 4.63 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in eight games (seven starts). Miller’s only relief appearance for the Comets came after Evan Phillips pitched one inning as an opener during his rehab assignment.
Can Bobby Miller help Dodgers bullpen?
Given Miller’s regression over recent seasons, there has been external speculation over a potential move to the bullpen. The Dodgers have not publicly indicated if they are considering such a change for Miller.
Nevertheless, Miller theoretically could be a boost in relief for the Dodgers as they remain without the likes of Phillips, Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen and Kirby Yates.
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