Succeeding at the highest level of baseball competition is brutally difficult, even if one has done it before.
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Bobby Miller has learned that lesson repeatedly since the start of the 2024 season. Miller was coming off a great rookie campaign in 2023, but he’s dealt with setback after setback ever since.
After struggling to an 8.52 ERA in 13 big-league starts last season, Miller was optioned to Triple-A to begin the 2025 campaign. He got his shot in the majors on Wednesday night after seeing solid results in the minors, but things once again went south.
In three innings against the Colorado Rockies, Miller allowed six earned runs, including a grand slam from Michael Toglia and a solo home run for Mickey Moniak. He did manage to compile seven strikeouts, but it’s hard to classify the start as anything but a disaster.
On Thursday, the Dodgers quickly revealed Miller’s roster fate. The team announced on social media that the 26-year-old righty had once again been optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Since the start of 2024, Miller is now has a 9.02 ERA and 7.00 FIP in 59 major league innings, allowing 19 home runs. When he’s pitched at Triple-A, meanwhile, he’s fared better, with a 4.18 ERA across 38 2/3 innings.
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Miller was throwing a consistent 98 miles per hour on Wednesday night, so it’s clear that raw talent isn’t the problem here. But he’s got command issues, as shown both by the home run problem and the 11 walks he issued in 12 Triple-A innings prior to the call-up.
The Dodgers can continue shuffling Miller up and down this season until he’s been sent down a total of five times. But at some point, especially on this loaded Dodgers pitching staff, one has to wonder if he’s running out of chances to stay in the organization.
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