Dodgers News: 3 LA Starters Break Silence After Disappointing NLDS Loss
Everyone around the Dodgers was disappointed by the sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLDS. Most Dodgers have been quiet since their elimination, which is very understandable.
However, Miguel Rojas, Bobby Miller and Michael Grove have all taken to social media to thank Dodger fans for their support all year long.
Since Gavin Lux tore both his ACL and MCL early in spring training, Rojas saw more playing time than expected. He played great defense at shortstop, and since August, his offensive production was above expected. In the NLDS, Rojas hit .333 while playing excellent defense.
Rojas began his major league career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014 before getting traded to the Miami Marlins where he established himself as an average-hitting Gold Glove-caliber shortstop.
Rojas thanked Dodger fans for “welcoming him home.” Without his contributions both on and off the field, the Dodgers wouldn't have won 100 games.
Unless something went disastrously wrong, Miller wouldn’t have appeared with the Dodgers until August, and he wouldn’t have pitched in the postseason. The Dodgers didn’t have a healthy starting rotation throughout the year and because of that, Miller made his major-league debut against the Atlanta Braves in May and performed well.
Despite growing pains, Miller performed exceptionally as he pitched the most innings in his professional career. He learned how to control his emotions on the mound.
Miller struggled with his command in his postseason start. It wasn’t surprising when he hadn’t pitched in eight days and had the adrenaline coursing through his body. But still, he allowed the fewest runs of any Dodger starter in his 1.2 innings. Miller thanked Dodger fans for a “wonderful experience.”
As for Grove, he opened the season as the No. 5 starter following injuries to Tony Gonsolin and Ryan Pepiot.
He had an up and down first full year — also dealing with injuries — but returned at the end of the year and even made the NLDS roster. He said the 2023 was "just the beginning."
All three of these guys showed incredible class amidst their own disappointment. They're all under contract with the team next season.
