Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Prior to Wednesday’s matchup against the Rockies, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered insight into Bobby Miller’s return to the big league rotation and provided injury updates on fellow starters Blake Snell and Clayton Kershaw.
Bobby Miller: “The Ceiling Is Still High”
Roberts acknowledged that Miller hasn’t been as sharp as he or the team would like during his rehab stint with Triple-A Oklahoma City, but said the 25-year-old is ready to take the next step.
“He’s in a really intense phase,” Roberts said. “I just think he’s going to come out with some kind of intensity tonight.”
Miller missed time earlier this year with shoulder inflammation and suffered a scare in spring training after taking a comebacker off the mound. But Roberts emphasized that the young right-hander is learning and evolving, describing his development as “nonlinear.”
“He’s had to work his way back,” Roberts said. “But as far as the upside potential, oh, it’s absolutely severe.”
To stick in the majors, Roberts said Miller needs to focus on filling up the strike zone, effectively mixing his four pitches, and trusting his stuff rather than trying to overpower hitters. Roberts added that Miller isn’t thinking about competing with teammates like Landon Knack or Justin Wrobleski—he’s focused on getting outs against Colorado.
Clayton Kershaw: Strong Return in First Rehab Outing
Roberts also gave a positive update on Clayton Kershaw, who threw three innings and 30 pitches in a rehab start with OKC. Kershaw touched 89 mph on the radar gun, and most importantly, he came out of the outing feeling good.
“The arm feels good. The body feels good,” Roberts said. “Just getting that left toe—his drive foot—completely back is the last part.”
Kershaw will make another rehab start and work up to more innings. His next appearance could determine when he’s ready to rejoin the Dodgers rotation. Roberts expressed curiosity more than concern, noting, “If he’s healthy… he’s going to be good.”
Blake Snell: Progressing, But No Timeline Yet
Snell, who’s been sidelined with an adductor strain, has been playing catch and throwing off flat ground during the homestand. Roberts said he saw Snell mixing in changeups and curveballs, but the team hasn’t determined when he’ll be ready for a rehab start.
“He says he feels really good,” Roberts said. “But I don’t know how close he is.”
Unlike Kershaw, Snell hasn’t thrown off a mound yet, so his return timeline remains more open-ended. Still, the fact that he’s progressing to more aggressive throwing is a good sign.
Outlook
With Miller returning, Kershaw trending upward, and Snell inching closer to mound work, the Dodgers’ pitching staff could soon get a boost. Roberts said Tony Gonsolin also threw well in his recent rehab outing and will make another start soon, with the plan to stretch him to five innings.
For now, the Dodgers continue to juggle opportunities for young arms while awaiting the return of their veteran anchors. As Roberts put it, “When an opportunity presents itself, you’ve got to take advantage. That’s the way of the world in Major League Baseball.”
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