Los Angeles Dodgers prospect Bobby Miller is making his highly-anticipated MLB Debut debut on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, an opportunity that’s been presented because of a rash of injuries within the starting rotation.
Selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, Miller rose through the Dodgers’ Minor League system with his call-up to Triple-A Oklahoma City last August. However, due to a slower buildup to this spring because of right shoulder soreness, he didn’t begin throwing until the middle of March.
Miller has made just four starts for Oklahoma City but now is set to follow Gavin Stone in the Dodgers’ rotation.
Manager Dave Roberts believes Miller has all the makings to be successful at the Major League level and wants the highly-touted prospect to stay within himself, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“Just be yourself,” Robert said. “Don’t try to throw 110 (mph). Just throw 100 and then it’ll be there. … Enjoy the moment. You’ve earned it. You belong here. And go compete.”
Roberts acknowledged the difficulty with remaining composed but hopes Miller will be able to block out some of the distractions that come with an MLB debut:
“I hope he doesn’t. I like the naiveté is bliss,” he said. “Obviously it’s hard not to walk into Truist Park and you see the third deck, you know your family and friends are coming and there’s those butterflies and that should happen. Everybody handles it differently. … I’m sure it’s hard not to feel the gravity of this moment for him and his family.”
Miller is 1-1 with a 5.64 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in 14.1 innings pitched with OKC this season. His most recent outing saw him post six innings with six strikeouts while allowing just one run on two hits.
Miller joins Stone and Michael Busch as Dodgers rookies to make their big league debuts in 2023.
What to expect from Bobby Miller
Although it’s unclear how much of an opportunity Miller will get beyond Tuesday, his flame-throwing arsenal is a sight to be seen. The Dodgers have worked with Miller on finding a bit more command, but the right-hander should be able to use his full repertoire against the Braves.
Miller features a slider that creeps into the low-90s which plays very well off an electric fastball, a changeup that he’s developed more of a feel for, and curveball.
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