Bobby Miller was scratched from his start on Thursday for Oklahoma City, who are instead using a bullpen game in Las Vegas. Also, Justin Wrobleski is no longer listed to take his scheduled Triple-A start on Friday. The Dodgers haven’t yet announced their starter for Friday’s game in St. Louis, but both Wrobleski and Miller could figure into this weekend’s pitching plans.
From Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic on Thursday afternoon:
Bobby Miller was scratched from his Triple-A start tonight with OKC. He is being held back in case the Dodgers wind up needing coverage this weekend, per source, not because of any physical issue (was skipped two starts ago with adductor tightness).
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 15, 2024
Before the Dodgers’ series finale on Thursday in Milwaukee, manager Dave Roberts told reporters at American Family Field that a bullpen game was still possible for Friday. But that was before used four relievers against the Brewers, matching Wednesday’s total.
Considering the Dodgers still have six more game days remaining to complete a stretch of 13 in a row, using a bullpen game on Friday wouldn’t be conducive to having a rested bullpen for the next trip through the rotation. Especially a relief corps already showing signs of fatigue.
For what it’s worth, Wrobleski has been mentioned multiple times in the last week by Roberts as a potential fill-in starter for Friday in what would have been River Ryan’s slot in the rotation. When asked about ahead of Wednesday’s game in Milwaukee if Miller, who has an 8.07 ERA in seven major league starts this season and has allowed nine runs and 11 walks in 13 innings in his three Triple-A starts since getting optioned — was getting any closer to a return to the majors, Roberts was noncommittal.
“I don’t know the answer to that. I think we’re better if Bobby’s with us,” Roberts said Wednesday, as shown on SportsNet LA. “But with health, performance, all that stuff, I don’t know when his time is going to be back with us. But I think we all agree that when he’s right, there’s not many better options.”
Dave Roberts discusses expectations for Walker Buehler tonight against the Brewers. pic.twitter.com/dWlVst8oub
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 14, 2024