The Los Angeles Dodgers have shied away from making a big splash this offseason, but nevertheless made several modest additions to their roster. Among them was the signing of Shelby Miller to a one-year, $1.5 million contract, who returned to the Majors as a relief pitcher last year.
Miller didn’t allow a run in his first three games with the San Francisco Giants, then gave up five in his final appearance. He struck out 14 of 30 batters faced during the span.
Miller was originally selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft and began his career as a starting pitcher. He was an All-Star with the Atlanta Braves in 2015 but largely has struggled ever since.
The 32-year-old revealed he is working with Dodgers pitching coaches Mark Prior and Connor McGuiness to hone his craft and make his pitches more difficult to pick up for batters, via Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times:
“We’re seeing how we can tunnel pitches better off the heater and trying to perfect my craft a bit,” Miller said. “These guys are so knowledgeable. Connor and Mark are amazing dudes who know a lot about pitching, how to get guys out, how to get swings and misses, and how we can do this every day.”
The Dodgers have an excellent reputation with helping talented pitchers return to form, and they hope Miller becomes the latest success story. The right-hander impressed in a small sample size with the Giants by striking out nearly half of the batters he faced.
Miller is expected to pitch out of the bullpen for the Dodgers in 2023, and given his experience as a starter, it’s plausible he will be utilized to pitch multiple innings.
Miller conceivably could be stretched out in the event the team needs a spot starter at some point in 2023.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes encouraged with Shelby Miller
Miller has already begun throwing bullpen sessions at Camelback Ranch, and despite spending minimal time with the Giants last year, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes sees plenty of reason to be optimistic.
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