The Los Angeles Dodgers had just one pick on the first day of the 2020 MLB Draft and they again reached into the collegiate pitching ranks to take right-hander Bobby Miller from the University of Louisville.
Miller was previously selected in the First Year Player Draft in 2017 when the Baltimore Orioles took him in the 38th round. However, he was intent on attending Louisville and continuing to improve.
In three collegiate seasons, Miller finished a 15-2 with a 3.28 ERA and 175 strikeouts in 41 appearances (25 starts). He made four starts this season, going 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA, and 34 strikeouts against nine walks.
Miller registered three quality starts in four chances, striking out a career-high 12 batters over 6.2 innings on Feb. 22 against Valparaiso University.
“Tremendous night for the Dodgers and we are ecstatic to select Bobby,” Dodgers vice president of amateur scouting Billy Gasparino said. “He’s a very talented pitcher with huge upside that we are looking forward to developing into a quality Major League pitcher. His work ethic and character will fit in well with our current culture.”
A night I'll never forget. I'm beyond excited to join the @Dodgers!#MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/M9rH7zVQWw
— Bobby Miller (@BMilled15) June 11, 2020
Miller watched the Draft from Louisville’s Jim Patterson Stadium, where he hadn’t spent much time since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic ended the season. Miller and Reid Detmer, who was drafted by the L.A. Angels with the 10th overall pick, took turns in the conference room area.
A heater than can touch triple digits? Welcome to the family, @BMilled15! pic.twitter.com/JpmGubc3gB
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 11, 2020
That Miller wound up being drafted in the first round is a testament to his talent and determination. There were some concerns about his command, but the 21-year-old righted the ship by making a mechanical adjustment.
“That was one of the things that trended up in his delivery. If you got back and look at 2019 and 2020, he made significant adjustments for the better,” Gasparino noted.
“We thought that was a very positive sign of his aptitude and athleticism. Our pitching group on the player development side loved the direction he was going, and are ready to take it to the next level with the few steps that they see fit.”
Next for the Dodgers and Miller is to come to an agreement on a contract. The No. 29 overall pick holds a $2,424,600 slot value.
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