The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Bobby Miller and recalled Ricky Vanasco from Triple-A Oklahoma City, the club announced on Wednesday ahead of the middle game of their series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Miller made the start last night, allowing nine runs on 10 hits in just four innings. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was critical of Miller, who failed to execute pitches and has been ineffective this season.
The 2024 season has not been kind to Miller. He started the year with a phenomenal outing, but since then, it’s been all down hill as he has fallen short of the lofty expectations placed on him going into the season.
Miller missed 61 games with right shoulder inflammation and has posted a 9.87 ERA in four starts since returning from the IL. On the season, he is 1-2 with a 8.07 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 29 innings.
With the timing of the option and the Dodgers’ need for starting pitching, plus the recall of a reliever rather than an additional starter, the move is likely a temporary one to allow Miller to reset.
The All-Star break is coming up, so the Dodgers can manage their rotation for the time being, and the addition of Vanasco gives them another option in an overworked bullpen.
Now in his second season with the Dodgers, Miller holds a 4.58 ERA with 146 strikeouts in 153.1 innings in 29 Major League starts.
Dodgers add Ricky Vanasco
The Dodgers added Vanasco to their roster to give an extra option to their bullpen, which has been overworked due to poor starting pitching over the past week.
Vanasco, along with José Hernández, was one of two eligible pitchers for the Dodgers to recall from their 40-man roster. Nick Ramirez and Gus Varland have been optioned recently and must stay in the Minor Leagues for 15 days, unless replacing an injured pitcher.
The rest of their group on the 40-man roster are dealing with injuries.
Vanasco has thrown two innings this year, which came in his Major League debut against the Washington Nationals on April 15. He struck out one over two perfect innings.
This is now his third stint with the club after he previously joined them for two days in May but did not pitch.
Vanasco was activated off OKC’s injured list to begin the month, and overall, he owns a 3.63 ERA in 22.1 innings with 25 strikeouts and 20 walks.
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