Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw is Learning About LA's Rookie Ace on the Fly
There's a new star in town on the Dodgers starting staff. Wunderkind rookie Bobby Miller is turning heads with each start he makes at the big league level. The 24-year-old has been exceptional across four starts so far, posting a 0.78 ERA over 23 innings.
Yes, it's still extremely early in the young up and comer's career. But, he is catching the eye of the bona fide ace. Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw recently talked shop about Miller. In an interview with AM570 LA Sports Radio, Kershaw revealed that he's learned a bit about Bobby's game since the rook joined the rotation.
“I kind of thought he just reared back and threw 100 and just kind of whatever happens, happens. But no he’s got a -- that slider he was throwing against the Yankees was real. That was a really good slider. You’ve seen flashes of a good curveball, throws his changeup enough too so he’s got four legit pitches.”
Bobby Miller has certainly been better than advertised, not that the advertisement did much to prop him up. A few days before he was called up, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Miller wasn't ready for the big leagues yet. And hey, maybe that was the case.
Since his debut, the right-hander has adjusted well to MLB hitters. In his opinion, the advanced level of scouting over the minor league ranks has helped. But the fact that he's allowed himself to get away from his calling card -- that 100mph fastball -- and rely more on his still developing offspeed offerings just may be what has set him apart from the Double and Triple-A versions of himself.
"I think Dodgers have a good future on the mound," Kershaw added, citing Miller and fellow rookies Michael Grove and Gavin Stone.
Clayton Kershaw is one heck of an endorsement for Bobby Miller.
