Dodgers pitching bust's role change is probably too late to save him

On Oct. 9, 2023, Bobby Miller took the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. While the start came in a Dodgers loss, it seemed like the start of something special when it came to Miller’s time in the Dodgers’ starting rotation. 

Nearly two years later, it looks like it may serve as the high point of his time in the rotation, as The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya reported over the weekend that Miller has been formally moved to the bullpen in Triple-A Oklahoma City. 

And while that move may help him stay in the Dodgers’ pitching plans, it may not be enough to keep him in the organization long-term. 

Dodgers pitching bust Bobby Miller's shift to the bullpen is probably too late to save him

Miller’s move makes sense, considering that nothing seemed to be working for him in Triple-A prior to getting demoted further, as he posted a 5.58 ERA in 69 1/3 innings prior to moving out of the rotation. He made his first appearance out of the bullpen on Sunday and allowed one run to Reno. 

The move is another speed bump in Miller’s career. After being drafted by the Dodgers in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, the University of Louisville product made his MLB debut in 2023 and posted a 3.76 ERA in 124 1/3 innings. 

He pitched well at the start of 2024 before suffering a shoulder injury in 2024 that kept him on the shelf until June. He wasn’t much better when he came back, and ended up finishing the season at Triple-A. 

He’s spent almost all of the 2025 season there, and things… haven’t been great. He pitched well at the start of the season for Oklahoma City before unraveling as the season went on, which led to his newest role change.  

It is worth pointing out, however, that the Dodgers need help in their bullpen. While things got a bit better thanks to Blake Treinen’s return, Michael Kopech and Tanner Scott are currently on the injured list, which has led to the team turning over seemingly every rock possible to try to find help. 

Miller still has a 97 mile per hour fastball and an intriguing assortment of offspeed pitches, but that arsenal won’t be any good if he can’t locate his pitches and/or keep them out of the center of the plate. 

At one point, Miller was viewed as the future of the Dodgers’ rotation. And while that may never come to fruition due to his new role change, there’s still a chance he could turn into a relief option. He’ll just need a lot to break his way.