Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller delivered a solid performance on July 19th against the Colorado Rockies, pitching five innings and allowing two earned runs. While the Dodgers held a 4-2 lead after five innings, the team ultimately saw the potential win slip away, with the bullpen unable to secure the victory. This outing continued a recent trend of stability from Miller, who has now completed at least five innings in seven consecutive starts dating back to July 9th against the same Rockies team.
Miller’s Resilience and a Costly Error
Despite the eventual outcome, Miller’s performance was marked by resilience. He navigated through a challenging situation in the fourth inning after allowing a single and a double to put runners on second and third with one out. A line drive to left field appeared to be heading for an out, but a miscue by left fielder Teoscar Hernández allowed the ball to get past him. Hernández, seemingly anticipating a play at the plate, moved too far in, and the ball sailed beyond his reach, resulting in a two-run double. This defensive lapse, though not directly Miller’s fault, allowed the Rockies to cut the deficit.
Manager Mark Prior visited the mound after the play to steady Miller, who managed to finish the fifth inning without further damage. This demonstrated a mental toughness that has been a focus for the young pitcher. The Dodgers had initially built a comfortable lead. In the second inning, Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker reached base, setting up Kike Hernández for a two-run double. Betts then extended the lead to 2-0 in the fourth with a solo home run. Kike Hernández added to the lead with a two-run homer, giving Miller a 4-0 cushion.
A Shift in Approach and Encouraging Results
A significant aspect of Miller’s recent development has been a change in his approach to pitching, specifically addressing his tendency to lose his rhythm or tipping his pitches. Under the guidance of pitching coach Mark Prior, the team has implemented a strategy using a larger glove, a 13-inch model, to help conceal his movements. This adjustment is intended to be a short-term solution for the current season, with longer-term plans to refine his overall mechanics and delivery.
The impact of this change was immediately noticeable. In his first start after adopting the larger glove on July 25th against the New York Mets, Miller recorded his best pitching performance of the season, allowing just one run over seven innings. Since then, he has maintained a consistent level of performance:
- August 1st vs. Seattle Mariners: 5 1/3 innings, 2 earned runs
- August 6th vs. Arizona Diamondbacks: 6 innings, 2 earned runs
- August 11th vs. Milwaukee Brewers: 6 innings, 2 earned runs
- July 19th vs. Colorado Rockies: 5 innings, 2 earned runs
Looking Ahead
While the loss to the Rockies was disappointing, particularly with the bullpen surrendering the lead in the seventh inning when Alex Vesia gave up a two-run homer, Miller’s recent outings highlight a significant step forward. His ability to consistently pitch deep into games and limit runs demonstrates growth and provides a positive outlook for his future contributions to the Dodgers rotation. The focus remains on refining his mechanics, but the current adjustments are yielding encouraging results, suggesting that the young pitcher is on the right track.
