Dodgers News: Miller, Grove sent packing for OKC

Yesterday at 06:12 PM

MIAMI, FL — Coming off a breakout rookie season, Bobby Miller was primed to be one of the Los Angeles Dodgers' key contributors in 2024. In 2023, the hard-throwing right-hander impressed with his 11-4 record, 3.76 ERA, and a blistering fastball that left fans and analysts alike buzzing about his potential. He started Game 2 of the postseason and seemed destined for stardom. Expectations were high as he entered his second year in the majors.

Unfortunately for Miller, his sophomore campaign didn't unfold as expected. On Wednesday, following a rough outing against the Miami Marlins, Miller's season came to a disappointing halt as the Dodgers optioned him to Triple-A Oklahoma City. It marked the end of an injury-riddled, inconsistent season in which Miller struggled to find his form, posting a 2-4 record with a 8.52 ERA in 13 starts. In addition, righthander Michael Grove, who got saddled with the loss in Tuesday’s slugfest with the Marlins, was sent down to Oklahoma as well.

The decision to send Miller down wasn't surprising given his performance, but it was a significant step back for a player who showed so much promise a year ago. “Performance at this point and time of the year is everything,” Roberts said to the press after Tuesday's loss to Miami. “We've certainly given him opportunities to right the ship.” Despite those chances, Miller was unable to regain the dominance he showed as a rookie, leaving both the pitcher and the organization frustrated.

Injuries and Mechanics: A Season of Setbacks

Miller’s season was marred by injuries and mechanical issues that plagued him from the start. An early-season shoulder injury sidelined him for two months, disrupting the momentum he had built with a dazzling 11-strikeout performance in his season debut. When Miller returned, he struggled to maintain consistent mechanics, leading to a temporary demotion to Triple-A before the All-Star break. He spent most of July and August in Oklahoma City, hoping to iron out the kinks in his delivery.

By the time Miller rejoined the Dodgers in September, a lingering knee injury further hampered his ability to settle in. These physical issues, combined with the mental toll of an up-and-down season, prevented Miller from pitching with the same confidence and precision that made him such a standout in 2023.

“There's some block there that we unfortunately haven't been able to break through this year,” Roberts said. “For a guy that has cut his teeth [in the majors], that shouldn't be the way it is.”

Miller's struggles on the mound became evident during Tuesday night's outing against the Marlins. The right-hander lasted just two innings, giving up four runs and showing visible frustration. He later admitted to shaking off catcher Hunter Feduccia multiple times, decisions he regretted after the game. “That's part of being a good major league pitcher,” Roberts noted. “When you're shaking to wrong pitches, you're just decreasing your margin of error.”

Command Issues and Home Run Troubles

One of the key issues Miller faced this season was his lack of command. Unlike his rookie campaign, where he averaged just 2.2 walks per nine innings, Miller's walk rate more than doubled in 2024, reaching 4.8. This inability to get ahead in counts allowed hitters to sit on his fastball, leading to increased damage. After giving up only 12 home runs in 124 innings last year, Miller surrendered 17 in just 56 innings this season.

The results were frustrating, particularly for a pitcher who thrives on his high-velocity fastball. Despite still possessing elite stuff, Miller's inability to locate his pitches consistently put him in difficult situations game after game. Even when he showed flashes of his old self, he struggled to put it all together for extended stretches.

A Learning Experience for the Future

While this season may feel like a setback for Miller, the Dodgers haven't lost faith in his long-term potential. With the 2025 rotation still taking shape, Miller could play a crucial role alongside stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. For now, the focus is on rebuilding his confidence and refining his approach in the minors.

“There is no doubt in my mind, whenever that may be, I'm going to be back better than I ever have,” Miller said after Tuesday's game. The pitcher vowed to “be working harder than I ever have to come out of this,” showing the same fiery competitiveness that made him such an exciting prospect to begin with.

Roberts, too, remains hopeful that Miller's struggles this year are more mental than physical. “I think it is mental,” Roberts admitted. “I think he feels good physically… but in the games, there's a mental component or a lack of confidence.”

The road back to the majors won't be easy, but Miller's resilience and determination suggest he's far from done. Though this season didn't go according to plan, it's clear that the Dodgers and Miller himself believe his best days are still ahead.

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