Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Bobby Miller was projected by many to make his MLB debut during the 2022 season, and when that didn’t happen the timeline shifted to this year.
However, Miller was held back during Spring Training because of right shoulder soreness. He did not begin throwing bullpen sessions until early March and only advanced to facing batters by the middle of the month.
The Dodgers’ former first-round draft pick never made his way into a Cactus League game nor did he pitch in the exhibition Freeway Series, like when Miller made a start last year against the Los Angeles Angels.
But after a slower buildup and in response to a rash of injuries in their rotation, the Dodgers are poised to call up Miller on Tuesday for his MLB debut against the Atlanta Braves, according to Russell Dorsey of Bally Sports and Stadium:
Dodgers are calling up top prospect RHP Bobby Miller, sources tell @BallySports and @Stadium. Miller is @MLBPipeline’s No. 19 prospect and will make his debut Tuesday night in Atlanta vs. Spencer Strider.
— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) May 21, 2023
Miller is 1-1 with a 5.64 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over four starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City so far this season. He had an encouraging 2023 debut before back-to-back bumpy outings.
Miller followed those with a strong start his last time out, setting season-highs with six innings pitched and six strikeouts while allowing just one run.
The 24-year-old is set to join Michael Busch and Gavin Stone as top Dodgers prospects to make their respective MLB debut this year.
Miller set a career high with 112 innings pitched for Double-A Tulsa and Oklahoma City last season, but did not make an appearance after September 21 due to an undisclosed reason.
He went a combined 6-6 with a 4.45 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 11.6 strikeouts per nine in 91 innings pitched between the Drillers and OKC (20 games, 19 starts). He also was among the Dodgers to participate in the 2022 All-Star Futures Game at Dodger Stadium.
Why is Bobby Miller making his MLB debut?
The Dodgers are relying Miller at least for a spot start due to Julio Urías going on the 15-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.
Urías’ injury created a need in the Dodgers starting rotation for the middle game of their series with the Braves, and after already needing to find a replacement — expected to be Gavin Stone — for Dustin May going on the IL because of a right flexor pronator strain.
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!
