The Los Angeles Dodgers began their Cactus League schedule with a lopsided loss to the Chicago Cubs that was overshadowed by Bobby Miller being hit in the head by a comebacker.
Miller was struck by a line drive off the bat of former teammate Michael Busch. It came on the 11th pitch of his appearance, and forced Miller out of the game and into concussion protocol.
“Little bit of a headache, but there’s no fracture, he slept fine, feels much better today than he did yesterday,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Friday.
“He’s just going to sort of lay low but he feels very confident that he can pick up his throwing program soon. He’s just got to keep going through the concussion protocol to make sure we’re on the right track.”
Miller managed to walk off the field under his own power and didn’t show any signs for wear.
“He said there wasn’t,” Roberts answered when asked how big of a bruise Miller had on his forehead. “He said, in his words, ‘I’ve got a hard head.’ He was certainly in good spirits.”
Roberts also relayed Miller informed him that he didn’t sustain a fracture on the scary incident. The 25-year-old nevertheless did not participate in the Dodgers’ workout on Friday and will continue to be monitored for a potential concussion.
For the time being, as Roberts views it, “He certainly escaped in a lot of ways.”
When will Bobby Miller pitch again?
Spring Training figured to be an important stretch for Miller as he’s looking to bounce back from a subpar 2024 season. The comebacker has interrupted that for the time being but the Dodgers hope the absence will be brief.
“I think we’re all hopeful. I’m not certain because I’m so familiar with the concussion protocol, but I’m sure he’s hopeful we can get back on and get going again,” Roberts said.
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