Bobby Miller is among the Los Angeles Dodgers prospects expected to make their MLB debut during the 2023 season, but his year began with being limited in Spring Training.
The right-hander was delayed in throwing bullpen sessions in camp before finally getting an opportunity to face hitters in live batting practice.
“Just a little slower buildup this year,” Miller recently told DodgerBlue.com. “That’s pretty much it.”
Although Miller was ruled out from taking the mound in a Cactus League game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts saw value in having him with the team, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“We wanted to get him in camp around our guys, training staff, team-wise,” Roberts said. “But as far as slow-playing him a little bit, he’s not gonna pitch for us in an A-game for us here.”
Miller set a career high with 112 innings pitched for Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City last season. However, the former first-round draft pick did not make an appearance after September 21 due to an undisclosed reason.
Miller nevertheless feels healthy and is focused on not missing any time this season. “I’m feeling great and better than ever right now,” Miller said.
“So I’m ready to get back out there soon. I know coaches and trainers might not have me out there soon, and I understand that. I trust the trainers and coaches with everything. They know what they’re doing.”
The Dodgers re-assigned Miller to Minor League camp on March 13.
Dave Roberts: Bobby Miller can benefit from Dodgers veterans
While Miller is not expected to pitch in a Major League Spring Training game for the Dodgers, Roberts saw value in the 23-year-old being around some of the team’s veteran players.
“Just to see the young pitchers, the hitters, how they respond to this environment,” Roberts recently said when asked what he was watching. “I think your first time in camp, being around superstars and guys that you watch on TV, just kind of seeing how they adjust and know they belong.
“For me, early on, seeing guys like (Nick) Nastrini, (Gavin) Stone, Miller, Diego Cartaya, and how they interact with veterans like Clayton and Julio (Urías).”
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