The Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation has been decimated by injuries this month, with Dustin May and Julio Urías being lost due to respective forearm and hamstring strains.
As a result, the team is looking internally to fill their spots in the rotation. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Gavin Stone is replacing May in the rotation and starting in the series opener against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park.
And though it hasn’t been confirmed yet, top Dodgers pitching prospect Bobby Miller is expected to make his MLB debut in the second game of the series.
While facing a talented Braves lineup will be challenging for both right-handers, Roberts believes it’s an opportunity for Stone and Miller to show why they belong in the Majors, per Jack Harris of the L.A. Times:
“It’s a great opportunity for these young pitchers,” said Roberts, despite not announcing Miller’s debut officially. “They’re both talented. It’s not what we expected. But that doesn’t really matter. The only way to look at it is, you’ve got to embrace this opportunity for these guys.”
Stone made his MLB debut May 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies and allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits over four innings.
The right-hander had a shaky 2023 debut with Triple-A Oklahoma City but has largely settled in since that time. He still owns an inflated 4.04 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in eight starts for OKC.
Miller has pitched to a 1-1 record with a 5.64 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over four starts for Oklahoma City so far this season. He had an encouraging 2023 debut before back-to-back bumpy outings and is still looking to find some rhythm after being slow-played because of right shoulder soreness.
Bobby Miller joining Dodgers prospects to make MLB debut in 2023
Miller is set to join Michael Busch and Stone as top Dodgers prospects to make their respective MLB debut this year. That will come with wearing a special debut patch on his jersey as part of a partnership between MLB, the Players Association (MLBPA), Fanatics Collectibles and Topps.
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