Prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers heading into the All-Star break with a blowout win against the Los Angeles Angels to sweep this season’s Freeway Series, manager Dave Roberts stepped into the batter’s box to see pitches from Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan.
“I wore David Peralta’s helmet and used Austin’s (Barnes) bat,” Roberts said.
Two of the top Dodgers pitching prospects in the organization, Miller and Sheehan both took the mound during the four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the All-Star break now having arrived, the Dodgers wanted to get their young right-handers some work.
Miller and Sheehan also faced Miguel Vargas and Yonny Hernández in the simulated game, both of whom took swings.
Looks hitter-ish pic.twitter.com/0KmuOrBufc
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) July 8, 2023
Bobby Miller facing the @Dodgers new/old guy: Dave Roberts. With @OrelHershiser serving as an ump from our booth. Swing the bat, Doc! 😂 pic.twitter.com/tfpCaYfM5J
— Stephen Nelson (@StephenNelson) July 8, 2023
“Emmet looked good,” answered Roberts when asked for his evaluation of Sheehan. “It was kind of just trying to get him a little bit of work before the break. His stuff is electric. It’s a live fastball.
“He sort of had his way with our hitters.”
Miller and Sheehan made their respective MLB debuts this season and are expected to continue filling key roles in the Dodgers starting rotation in the second half. However, which order they will appear in games has not yet been decided.
Roberts said the only certainty coming out of the All-Star break is Julio Urías starting the series opener against the New York Mets on Friday, July 14.
Dave Roberts proud of Dodgers
At 51-38, the Dodgers remain just behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for first place in the National League West. The team expects to win the division, but when factoring in their rash of injuries and several players struggling throughout the first half, Roberts is generally pleased with their positioning.
“There’s always room for improvement, but things could be worse, I guess. I’m encouraged we’re going to be getting guys back and I think our best baseball is ahead of us,” he said.
“Considering all that we’ve gone through, no one has wavered, which is great. We’re right in the thick of things.”
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