Dodgers News: Dodgers Shift Bobby Miller to Bullpen While Managing Ongoing 2026 Shoulder Concerns

GLENDALE, AZ—As the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers entered camp to kick off the 2026 season, one name that has seemed to be forgotten has been right-handed pitcher Bobby Miller.

Miller, 26, was once a top prospect in the Dodgers’ farm system and made an immediate impact after being called up in 2023. He helped stabilize the Dodgers’ starting rotation, posting a 3.76 ERA across 22 starts. Additionally, he recorded an above-average strikeout rate of 23.6, supported by underlying metrics like a 3.44 xERA and a 3.51 FIP.

However, things would quickly change for Miller, who would have his Major League career derailed over the next two seasons and deal with lingering shoulder issues that would force him not only to miss significant time but also to spend his playing days in Triple-A.

However, after ending last season in the bullpen with the Oklahoma City Comets, coming into camp, that’s the role the organization now views Miller in, according to manager Dave Roberts.

“Yeah, you know what I think with Bobby, we just got to get him back to pitching. It’s still a really good arm. There was some shoulder soreness, so he was kind of slowly ramping up, and I think it’s just more of a short burst situation and getting him to find some success again, get some hitters out. We know he can be a starter, but I think right now it’s just getting him back on the mound, getting him competing again, and see where that goes.”

The move to the bullpen for Miller does make sense, as the current state of the starting rotation, even with Blake Snell’s slow build-up, is filled with depth, and Miller would be toward the bottom of the totem pole.

Bobby Miller Dealing With Shoulder Issue

As manager Dave Roberts mentioned, Miller came into camp with a right arm/shoulder issue, which has kept him off the mound this spring.

Despite the setback, the Dodgers remain optimistic that Miller can start ramping up activity in the upcoming weeks. Although he was not expected to make the 26-man roster out of spring training, his injury affects the team’s minor-league depth.

This isn’t Miller’s first experience with shoulder issues; he missed most of the 2024 regular season due to right shoulder inflammation after only two starts.

Miller is expected to ramp up his throwing progression soon and transition to a relief role, as he did at the end of his 2025 season with the OKC Comets.

Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!