As the Los Angeles Dodgers were exploring bullpen help in the time leading up to the trade deadline, they made some internal adjustments over recent weeks.
Ben Casparius was shifted back to a relief role after struggling upon a short stay in the rotation, and Justin Wrobleski was shifted to the bullpen as well. But perhaps the most surprising — even if it seemed necessary — was the Dodgers deciding to have Bobby Miller pitch out of the bullpen moving forward.
Manager Dave Roberts is hopeful Miller will flourish in his new role with Triple-A Oklahoma City and potentially make an impact with the Dodgers at some point as well, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports:
“This might be something that unlocks him, going hard for a shorter period of time to get some confidence for him which could help us here.”
The former highly-touted prospect spent this year trying to re-establish himself after a disastrous 2024 season. The result was been more of the same as Miller pitched to a 5.63 ERA in 70.1 innings for Oklahoma City before the role change. Control remains an issue, as he’s walked 6.14 batters per nine innings this season.
Miller has only briefly been up with the Dodgers over two separate stints. He allowed six earned runs in three innings of work during his start against the Colorado Rockies on April 16, and was optioned back to Oklahoma City the next day.
Miller was then recalled in late May, and allowed one run in two innings of relief against the New York Mets.
He still possesses a high-velocity fastball, along with off-speed and breaking pitches that can generate swings and misses.
Moving ineffective starters with good stuff to the bullpen is a common occurrence and can often lead to improved results. Being able to give max focus and effort for a single inning as opposed to an entire outing can be a driver for newfound success.
Miller’s last three appearances for the Comets have all been out of the bullpen, and he’s allowed just one run while collecting three strikeouts and only issuing one walk across four innings pitched. Opponents have hit .231/.286/.308 against Miller as a reliever.
What does bullpen mean for Bobby Miller’s future role?
Moving Miller to the bullpen is how the Dodgers can get the most value out of him not only this season but likely moving forward given his inconsistency as a starter.
Though, it may still be early to completely give up on him as a starting pitcher. The current role change accomplishes a couple of things in the short-term, in that it offers the Dodgers bullpen another option while providing a way to build up Miller’s confidence as a pitcher.
Drastic improvement for him as a reliever could go one of two ways in the long-term.
It could help Miller improve as a starter if the Dodgers decide to give him another shot next season. And if it doesn’t pan out in the rotation, it gives Miller a new role he can fall back on to continue pitching in the Majors.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
