Bobby Miller’s Resilience After a Head-On Collision
Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller was thrust into a terrifying situation on Thursday when a 106-mph line drive from Michael Busch struck him in the forehead during the exhibition opener against the Chicago Cubs. Despite the initial shock and fear, Miller managed to walk off the field under his own power, a testament to his physical ruggedness and mental fortitude. For a pitcher who had never experienced such a blow, the incident was a significant hurdle. Miller, known for his squeamishness when it came to watching videos of pitchers being hit in the head, surprisingly found himself rewinding and replaying the moment multiple times. "I’ve probably watched it a hundred times, at least," Miller said, indicating a somewhat masochistic curiosity. "Whenever I’ve seen a video of a pitcher getting hit in the head, I’ve never been able to watch it. I’m always like, ‘Get that out of my face.’ I always feared that. But now that it’s happened, I’ve been able to watch it. Scary moment, but it’s all good. I’m all right."
Navigating Post-Concussion Symptoms
The aftermath of the incident saw Miller placed under concussion protocol, and he has been dealing with symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. The psychological impact is also palpable, as Miller has found himself waking up frequently during the night, unable to shake the event from his mind. "I’ve woken up a lot of times during the night — I can’t really stop thinking about what happened," he explained. "I’m just trying to get past that." Despite the challenges, Miller remains optimistic. He noted that the impact, while frightening, was not as severe as he had always feared. "It kind of knocked me down, but I was able to walk off all right," he said. "Hopefully, I’ll get back to action soon." The right-hander, who struggled in the 2024 season with a 2-4 record and an 8.52 ERA, is determined to recover and return to form, emphasizing his resolve to bounce back from both physical and mental setbacks.
The Power of Team Spirit: Saturday’s Slugfest
The Dodgers faced the Kansas City Royals in an exhibition game on Saturday, and while the final score was an 11-10 loss, there were moments of brilliance that highlighted the team’s resilience and offensive capability. Reserve catcher Hunter Feduccia stole the show with three hits, including a two-run single in the first inning and a powerful three-run homer to right-center field in the fourth. His contributions were a significant boost to the Dodgers’ efforts. Max Muncy also made a memorable impact, hitting a three-run homer to left center in the second inning. Teoscar Hernández added to the offensive display with a double in the first inning, a single in the fourth, and scoring three runs. Despite the loss, the game showcased the potential and talent within the Dodgers’ lineup, even with 10 minor league and non-roster pitchers struggling on the mound. The Dodgers gave up 11 runs and 11 hits, with 12 walks and nine stolen bases, indicating areas that need improvement in their spring training.
Bright Spots on the Mound
While the Dodgers’ pitching staff had a rough day, there were a few bright spots. Right-hander Nick Frasso, once a top prospect, demonstrated his potential with a scoreless first inning, striking out one batter. Frasso missed all of last season due to shoulder surgery, and his performance on Saturday was a promising sign of his return to form. The 25 pitches he threw, including a mix of cut-fastballs, four-seamers, and two-seamers, touched 95 mph, showcasing the velocity he is known for. Manager Dave Roberts was pleased with Frasso’s showing, highlighting the importance of these early outings in rebuilding confidence and form. Frasso’s recovery and performance are crucial for the Dodgers, as they look to integrate him back into their rotation successfully.
Shohei Ohtani’s Gradual Return
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star who spent the 2023 season recovering from elbow surgery, continued his steady progress on Saturday. Ohtani, who won National League MVP honors in 2024 with an extraordinary 54-homer, 130-RBI, and 59-stolen-base season, completed his third bullpen workout of the spring, throwing 25 pitches. He mixed in a few cut-fastballs to complement his four-seamers and two-seamers, and his fastball reached 95 mph. Roberts confirmed that Ohtani would make his exhibition debut as a hitter late next week, a move that is eagerly anticipated by fans and the team alike. Ohtani’s return to the mound and the batter’s box is a significant boost for the Dodgers, given his dual-threat capabilities and the impact he had in the previous season.
Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell Set to Return
The Dodgers are set to welcome some familiar faces back to the mound in the coming days. Right-hander Tyler Glasnow, who missed the final six weeks of the 2024 regular season and all of the postseason due to an elbow injury, will make his exhibition debut on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds in Goodyear. Glasnow’s return is a major positive, as he is a key component of the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Left-hander Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, will also make his Dodgers exhibition debut on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners at Camelback Ranch. Snell, who signed a five-year, $182-million deal this winter, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team. The return of these seasoned pitchers is expected to provide stability and strength to the Dodgers’ rotation, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.
Roki Sasaki’s Next Move
Roki Sasaki, the young Japanese prospect, is also on track to make his next appearance. While Roberts is unsure whether Sasaki will pitch in an exhibition game or face hitters in a simulated game, the pitcher’s development is a critical focus for the Dodgers. Sasaki’s potential to contribute to the team’s pitching rotation is significant, and ensuring he is ready and acclimated to the major league environment is paramount. The Dodgers are keen to see how Sasaki progresses and integrates into the team’s plans, as his performance could be a deciding factor in the team’s success this season. With a mix of young talent and veteran experience, the Dodgers are shaping up to be a formidable force in the upcoming season.
