After Bobby Miller labored through another start, the Los Angeles Dodgers optioned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City last week in order to activate Joe Kelly off the 15-day injured list.
Miller was demoted one day after struggling against the Miami Marlins. He lasted just two innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and collecting two strikeouts.
It was the latest stumble in what has been a disappointing year for Miller that has included dealing with shoulder inflammation and pitching through a left knee issue.
Despite being limited by several injuries over the course of the year, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes Miller’s woes are more mental than physical, via Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“To be frank, I think it is mental,” Roberts said. “I think he feels good physically. I think in ‘pens, in side sessions, it’s been a lot better than it has been in the game. With that, there’s a mental component or a lack of confidence.”
Miller’s inability to build on a successful rookie campaign has been nothing short of puzzling. He emerged as a key part of the Dodgers rotation last year and started for the team in Game 2 of the National League Division Series.
Miller endured a rocky outing but vowed to bounce back in his next start, which didn’t come until 2024. He initially did so by dominating the St. Louis Cardinals in his season debut, which saw the 25-year-old throw six scoreless innings and record a career-high 11 strikeouts.
Unfortunately for Miller, it has all been downhill since then. He is unlikely to pitch again for the Dodgers this season after going 2-4 with an 8.52 ERA, 6.98 FIP and 1.77 WHIP in 56 innings over 13 starts this year.
Miller did take a positive step forward with Oklahoma City as he allowed just one run in five innings on Sept. 22.
Dodgers postseason rotation without Bobby Miller
Miller had been in the running for one of the final two spots in the Dodgers postseason rotation before getting sent down to Oklahoma City.
That puts Walker Buehler and Landon Knack in prime position to potentially fill out the rotation, with Jack Flaherty and Yoshinobu Yamamoto occupying the first two spots.
Tyler Glasnow and Gavin Stone have either been ruled out or considered unlikely to pitch again this season, but Clayton Kershaw is attempting to return from a bone spur in his left big toe.
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