Dodgers' Bobby Miller Set to Return to Rotation, Clayton Kershaw Begins Rehab Appearance
ICARO Media Group
In an exciting development for the Los Angeles Dodgers, right-handed pitcher Bobby Miller is set to make his return to the rotation next week. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Miller will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list and will start against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, as reported by Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
Miller has been sidelined for over two months due to shoulder inflammation. The second-year pitcher had made just three starts before his injury. However, he recently completed a four-game rehab stint in the minors, where he allowed 14 runs over 15 innings. Despite the challenging performance, Miller's return is highly anticipated as he emerged as one of the Dodgers' top starters in the second half of his rookie season.
Meanwhile, veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw is also making strides towards a comeback. Kershaw will begin a rehab appearance with the Low-A Rancho Cucamonga team on Wednesday. The three-time Cy Young winner underwent shoulder surgery in November and is yet to see any game action in 2024. Kershaw's expected return to the MLB rotation is projected to be around the All-Star Break.
The Dodgers' rotation has undergone significant changes this season, with the front office overhauling the group during the offseason. The team signed Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a record deal, acquired and extended Tyler Glasnow, and brought in James Paxton. Each pitcher in this trio has performed well, boasting earned run averages between 3.00 and 4.00 throughout the season.
During Miller's absence, Gavin Stone stepped up and delivered a solid performance with a 2.93 ERA over 67 2/3 innings. Additionally, Walker Buehler has been part of the starting staff since his return from Tommy John surgery. Despite showing some rust in his first seven starts, Buehler has maintained a 4.64 earned run average.
With Miller's return to the rotation, the Dodgers will temporarily transition to a six-man rotation to provide the starters with a breather during a stretch of 12 consecutive game days. This adjustment will necessitate a seven-man relief group to meet the limit of 13 pitchers on the active roster, resulting in a temporary reduction in bullpen depth.
As the Dodgers gear up for Miller's return and potentially prepare for Kershaw's comeback in the coming weeks, fans and analysts alike await the impact these star pitchers will have on the team's quest for success. Miller's return adds another weapon to the Dodgers' arsenal, while the hopeful return of Kershaw could provide a significant boost to the rotation during the second half of the season.