The Los Angeles Dodgers, perpetually in search of pitching depth, are exploring a new role for once-heralded starting prospect Bobby Miller: high-leverage reliever. After a challenging 2024 season marked by struggles and injuries, the organization has shifted Miller to the bullpen in Triple-A, hoping a shorter burst of intensity will “unlock him,” as manager Dave Roberts put it. The question now looms: can Miller transition successfully and provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the Dodgers’ bullpen this year?
Miller’s 2024 campaign was a far cry from his promising 2023 rookie season. After a strong start to 2024, an early shoulder issue sidelined him, and upon his return, he posted a 9.34 ERA over his final 10 starts. In limited MLB action in 2025, Miller has an ERA of 12.60 over 5 innings pitched in 2 appearances (1 start), with a 2.60 WHIP and 7 strikeouts. His Triple-A numbers (5.58 ERA over 69.1 innings in 2024) haven’t inspired confidence, but his brief relief appearances in the majors this season have been more encouraging in limited sample size.
The Dodgers’ bullpen is currently in significant need of reliable arms. As of August 3, 2025, the Dodgers’ bullpen holds a 4.18 ERA, ranking them in the middle of the pack in MLB. Key relievers like Tanner Scott, Evan Phillips, Michael Kopech, and Brusdar Graterol have been absent due to injury, leaving the unit depleted. While they recently acquired Brock Stewart to address some right-handed relief needs, the overall group has struggled to find consistent dominant performances. Evan Phillips (elbow inflammation) is out for the season, and Michael Kopech (knee) is expected to be out until late August. Brusdar Graterol (shoulder surgery) is targeting a September return, while Tanner Scott (elbow inflammation) is expected back in mid-August.
This is where Miller’s potential comes into play. As a starter, Miller boasts an electric arsenal. His four-seam fastball sits consistently in the upper 90s, often touching 98 mph and sometimes even 99 mph. He also features a hard sinker, a sharp curveball, a changeup, and a slider that has shown elite potential. In a relief role, the expectation is that he can unleash these pitches with maximum effort, potentially seeing an uptick in velocity and sharper break.
The key to Miller’s success as a reliever will likely hinge on several factors:
- Command and Control: While his stuff is undeniable, Miller has struggled with walks at times. In 2025, he has a BB% of 7.1%, which is lower than his 2024 MLB walk rate but still needs to be controlled. In shorter stints, can he hone his control and limit free passes?
- Pitch Selection: As a reliever, he may simplify his repertoire, focusing on his most dominant pitches. His hard slider, which in 2023 was considered one of the best new sliders in baseball, could become a devastating weapon in a one or two-inning role.
- Mental Toughness: Miller has shown signs of getting into his own head when things go awry. The high-pressure environment of the bullpen demands a short memory and the ability to bounce back quickly.
- Durability: His recent injury history, including the shoulder issues and being hit in the head by a line drive in spring training, raises concerns. A less strenuous relief workload could help him stay healthier, but it’s not a guarantee.
Dodgers management, particularly Dave Roberts, seems optimistic that this shift could be a turning point for Miller. If he can leverage his premium velocity and sharp breaking pitches for shorter, high-intensity outings, he could quickly become a valuable asset in the Dodgers’ struggling bullpen. The urgency of the team’s relief needs makes this experiment all the more critical. While the transition for a former top starting prospect isn’t always smooth, the potential rewards for both Miller and the Dodgers are significant. The coming weeks will be crucial to see if this move “unlocks” the dominant pitcher the Dodgers envisioned when they drafted him.
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