Dodgers notes: Bobby Miller, James Outman, postseason roster

Bobby Miller entered the 2023 season as the no. 2 prospect within the Dodgers’ farm system and has blossomed into a valuable asset within a rejuvenated rotation. His five-pitch arsenal has been lethal since his first start in August, which has resulted in the rookie achieving a 2.57 ERA and a 1.091 WHIP through four starts.

Brent Maguire of MLB.com covers in great detail Bobby Miller’s highs and lows through his first three months as in the major leagues including an in-depth analysis on his pitch combination, velocity and movement, with all three being comparable to baseball’s hardest throwing starters:

“Miller’s four-seam fastball averages 99.2 mph, the fastest by any starter in the Majors... It’s the slider, however, that Miller relies on the most out of his secondary pitches and what makes the [Jacob] deGrom comparisons so compelling... Miller’s least-utilized pitches — his changeup (13.4% usage) and curveball (17% usage) — are arguably his most effective.”

Even after suffering a loss at the hands of the Guardians on Tuesday night, Miller still owns a respectable 7-3 record in 15 starts with a 3.86 ERA, 1.163 WHIP, 3.48 FIP, and a 1.8 fWAR. He has posted a fair strikeout ratio of 8.36 K/9, maintained his control on the mound by posting just a 2.63 BB/9, and has garnered an ability to limit deep fly balls, giving up just seven in 81⅔ innings.

Links

• Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report lists multiple rookies who either have the potential to become future All Stars and who will be overshadowed. Miller was remarked as having the ability to become an elite pitcher with his pitch mix and being a bright spot for a rotation plagued with injuries. James Outman was listed as a future snub, as his streakiness and poor strikeout rate have hindered his overall season numbers.
• Houston Mitchell of the Los Angeles Times talks about lists his ideal Dodgers’ postseason roster and four-man rotation, the reason for Tony Gonsolin’s struggles on the mound this season, and more in the latest edition of Dodgers Dugout.
• J.P. Hoornstra of the Orange County Register breaks down every acquisition that general manager Brandon Gomes has made this season, juxtaposing the numbers each player had before coming to the Dodgers and how they have performed since.