As they try to chase their third-straight World Series title, the Los Angeles Dodgers are evaluating all aspects of their roster. That could include a role change for one of their pitching hopefuls.
Bobby Miller is currently battling through a shoulder injury. On Tuesday he did manage to throw 10 pitches off the mound, but it wasn't a real bullpen session. When Miller does return, the Dodgers are expecting him to operating as a relief pitcher rather than being in the rotation, via Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.
“Bobby Miller just threw off a mound for the first time this spring. Just about 10 throws, not off the rubber, to a standing catcher,” Ardaya wrote. “Not a full bullpen by any means. Has been dealing with shoulder trouble — Dodgers viewing him as a reliever.”
Miller is no stranger to working out of the bullpen, as it's the role he finished the 2025 season operating in. It seems as if the Dodgers will be sticking to that plan moving forward. There will be times where Los Angeles is in need of a starter throughout the season. But Miller may no longer be in those plans.
The first order of business is getting healthy. Miller being able to throw at all is a good sign. But the right-hander must advance to true bullpen sessions before plotting out his 2026 season.
After dazzling to a 3.76 ERA and a 119/32 K/BB ratio over his first 22 starts in the major leagues, Miller has been unable to match his rookie production. Overall, he holds a 5.44 ERA and a 178/64 K/BB ratio through 37 major league appearances.
If Miller is healthy and producing, the Dodgers would want him to be a key contributor out of the bullpen. But for now, there's still a ways away before that becomes reality.
