A Spring of Renewal for Bobby Miller
Dodgers pitchers Blake Snell and Bobby Miller have been seen together frequently during the early days of spring training at Camelback Ranch. They walk to and from bullpen sessions, chat at their side-by-side lockers in the clubhouse, and even during Miller’s live batting practice session on Saturday, Snell was right there behind the mound, closely observing. At first glance, it might seem an unlikely pairing: Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, and Miller, a once-promising prospect who had a dismal 2024 season. Yet, Snell’s interest in Miller isn’t new. He has been intrigued by Miller’s raw talent and potential for years, having watched him from opposing dugouts. This mutual respect and Snell’s proactive approach have created a unique bond this spring.
The Promise and Pitfalls of a Rookie Season
Miller’s rookie year in 2023 was nothing short of spectacular. He dazzled with his upper-90s mph fastball and his fiery in-game intensity, posting an impressive 11-4 record with a 3.76 ERA and earning a spot in the postseason rotation. However, the success was short-lived. In 2024, Miller’s rapid ascent quickly stalled. He suffered an 8.52 ERA in just 13 starts and missed a significant portion of the season due to a shoulder injury. The contrast between his two seasons has been stark, and Miller is determined to put the struggles of 2024 behind him. “I’m just forgetting about last season,” he said with a laugh. “Can’t get much worse than that.”
The Competition for the Fifth Spot
Despite his previous success, Miller’s performance in 2024 has placed him well down the organizational depth chart. The addition of Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki to the Dodgers’ rotation, along with the return of Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May, and eventually Shohei Ohtani, after injury absences, has made the competition for the fifth spot in the opening day rotation intense. When asked about Miller’s chances, manager Dave Roberts was cautious. “I think competition is one way to look at it,” Roberts said, referring to Miller and Landon Knack. “But also, I think the best way to look at it is, they’ve got to take care of their own business. … And whatever their performance is will dictate their role on our roster.”
Snell’s Impact on Miller
The relationship between Snell and Miller has been a significant bright spot for the young pitcher. Snell, recognized for his own remarkable journey from rookie to elite pitcher, has taken a keen interest in Miller’s development. Roberts described Snell’s influence on Miller as “huge,” even suggesting that it might be an understatement. “Obviously we know how talented Bobby is. But to have a peer, a guy who’s won Cy Youngs, want to personally invest in him, there’s only great upside for both players and the organization as a whole,” Roberts stated. Snell, however, downplayed his role. “Y’all are saying I’m taking him under my wing,” he laughed. “But we’re just friends, learning. I wouldn’t say I’m a mentor. We’re friends.”
Lessons from a Veteran
The informal mentorship has already started to yield tangible results. During his live batting practice session, Miller found himself falling behind in the count and briefly lost his composure, dropping an expletive. It’s a familiar issue that has often marred his performances in the past. This time, however, Miller remembered a conversation with Snell about “understanding hitters and not giving them the advantage.” He took a moment to reset emotionally, a small but crucial step in his mental and emotional development. “It’s just realizing that’s going to give the hitter an advantage,” Miller explained, showing a clear understanding of the lesson.
A Path Forward
Miller is eager to continue learning from Snell and is committed to improving his game. “I’m gonna try asking him more questions, and not make him come up to me all the time,” he said. “I’m gonna be the one working hard and trying to learn from him.” The support from a decorated veteran like Snell can be invaluable, especially for a young pitcher looking to bounce back. As Miller moves forward, the guidance and camaraderie provided by Snell will likely play a significant role in his journey to rekindle his big-league career. The Dodgers organization is also invested in Miller’s success, and the team’s depth and resources offer a solid foundation for his comeback.
