The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to lead the National League West. LA currently holds an eight-game lead over the second place San Diego Padres. The Dodgers are cruising in the division despite important players such as Bobby Miller, Clayton Kershaw, and others out due to injuries. Miller is nearing a return, however.
Miller performed fairly well in his most recent rehab start. He is also reportedly “feeling healthy,” per MLB.com. MLB.com also reports that the Dodgers will likely have Miller pitch in one more rehab start before he returns, however.
Miller has already made three rehab starts. The Dodgers, as already mentioned, are playing well and have no need to rush the right-handed hurler back. Los Angeles wants to ensure that Miller is fully ready to go before adding him to the big league rotation.
The Dodgers' cautious approach is smart. Some teams may be in a rush to have a key piece to the puzzle like Miller rejoin the ball club. LA understands the situation, though. Additionally, pitching injuries have been far too common around the league this year. The last thing the Dodgers want to do is have Miller return too soon and risk further injury.
Bobby Miller on verge of injury return
Miller may need to make one more rehab start, but it is clear that he is close to a return. He had struggled through three starts before landing on the injured list. Miller, who is in his second season with the Dodgers, has an extremely high-ceiling, though.
In fact, Miller even received some National League Cy Young predictions before the season began. Almost everyone around the MLB world thought that he would break out in 2024.
Miller enjoyed a strong rookie campaign, turning in a 3.76 ERA and 119 strikeouts across 22 starts. He had entered the season as the Dodgers top pitching prospect, so expectations have been high for a while now.
Bobby Miller may still be able to have a breakout season in 2024. He's missed a significant amount of time but we are still only in June. If he returns and performs at a high level over the next few months, Miller will be regarded as one of the better pitchers in the game.
Miller's impact on playoff run
The Dodgers have been one of the best regular season teams in MLB for a decade now. However, they have earned just one World Series championship during that span. Los Angeles is looking to build a dynasty with Shohei Ohtani now on the roster.
Bobby Miller will undoubtedly play a big role in a playoff run. He adds depth to the rotation behind Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Miller could prove to be a difference-maker in a postseason series.
The playoffs are obviously something to think about down the road. Nevertheless, having Miller return in June will give him a few months to prepare for the postseason. At the moment, Bobby Miller is focused on returning from his injury.
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