Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Leaves Door Open for Potential Bobby Miller Start in Postseason
Over the years, the Los Angeles Dodgers have built quite the reputation for developing top pitching prospects into impact arms in the major leagues.
Clayton Kershaw is the crown jewel of that discussion in recent history -- as the former first-round pick in 2006 is due to be a Hall of Famer as soon as his first enshrinement opportunity comes -- and recently LA's pitching development machine has produced two new products in Emmet Sheehan and Bobby Miller.
Sheehan pitched well at times before he was recently sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma City as part of a roster crunch, while Miller has continued to not only stick around in Los Angeles -- but make his presence felt.
Aside from a few rough outings since he was originally pressed into MLB action in May, the rookie has been one of the better arms in the rotation this season -- even after Kershaw and Julio Urias made their returns from injuries.
And his last outing was one of his best. He gave up a first inning run against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday, but then settled down and held them hitless over the rest of his six strong frames on the mound.
All of that has led to an intriguing question as the schedule approaches the stretch run.
With a division title essentially locked up, could the standout rookie be a part of the Dodgers postseason rotation?
According to manager Dave Roberts, the chance is there for the 24-year old.
"It’s up to him to continue to make himself a bigger part of that picture,” Roberts said. “Because other guys have had track records, which should be of importance and of value. But you can’t argue the arm talent. So now it’s up to him.”
One would figure that the top two playoff rotation spots are locked up with Kershaw and Urias. But with Tony Gonsolin struggling in 2023, that may leave the door open for Miller.
Miller's shown great command this season and the ability to come up big in high pressure moments, and with Gonsolin's inconsistency and with uncertainty surrounding a potential return of Walker Buehler -- who may still be working his way back to a full workload by the time the playoffs come -- it could be time for the rookie to show just what he can do on the sport's biggest stage.
