While the Los Angeles Dodgers were unable to avoid being swept by the Cincinnati Reds, Bobby Miller and Evan Phillips joined Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Sunday for the start of respective rehab assignments.
Miller started the game for the Quakes and endured some struggles as he allowed three runs on four hits over three innings of work. The right-hander also issued two walks but collected four strikeouts.
Miller retired the side in order in the first inning before running into some trouble in the second. He worked around a walk in the third inning.
The length of the outing matched Miller’s work in a simulated game at Dodger Stadium last week. That came after Miller faced batters at Camelback Ranch.
Miller threw 55 pitches in his start for the Quakes, compared to 51 in last week’s live setting.
Miller has been on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation since April 13. He and the Dodgers initially anticipated a relatively quick return due to an MRI purportedly not revealing any structural damage in Miller’s throwing shoulder.
The 25-year-old pitched to mixed results through three starts this season before landing on the IL.
Meanwhile, Phillips enjoyed a successful appearance as he struck out a pair and retired the side in order in the fourth inning.
The Dodgers placed Phillips on the 15-day IL since May 5 due to a right hamstring strain. Phillips’ stint on the injured list was backdated to May 4, and the Dodgers originally anticipated he would be activated after missing the minimum amount of required time.
Phillips’ absence is among multiple injuries in the Dodgers bullpen, which have put a strain on the pitching staff.
Dodgers pitching without Bobby Miller, Evan Phillips
Even without Miller, the Dodgers still have a full starting rotation and Landon Knack as depth. However, the team has preferred to utilize a six-man rotation in order to provide their starters — in particular Yoshinobu Yamamoto — with extra rest.
Miller’s return, although likely not to come until after at least one more rehab start, would aid with managing the rotation.
In addition to Phillips, the Dodgers bullpen currently is without Ryan Brasier and Joe Kelly as well. Brusdar Graterol also is yet to throw a single pitch this season.
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