Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Bobby Miller made his first MLB appearance since May 2025 on Sunday, and while he wasn't perfect, he showed he can still be a functioning part of the Dodgers' bullpen.
Miller entered a tied game in the sixth inning, but got off to a rocky start. He allowed a leadoff triple to kick off his 2026 account, and a run came across later in the inning after he plunked a batter with the bases loaded.
After that mishap, though, Miller looked solid.
The former top prospect didn't allow a run for the remainder of his outing, which lasted three innings. He also struck out two batters, generating five whiffs on the night. His fastball sat right around where it had during 2024 and 2025, clocking an average of 97.2 mph on the evening. He earned the win after the Dodgers took the lead in the bottom of the eighth.
Miller admitted he didn't have his best stuff after the game, but was pleased with his results after acknowledging he could do better.
"To get out of there with one run, with how my stuff was looking out there, I'd say that's a good day," Miller said.
"…I feel great. I've always had confidence in myself that I'm a big-league player. I'm just grateful to get this opportunity and to the team to give me a chance. Sometimes all you need is to be given a shot."
Miller came back to the team Saturday in a three-player roster move which saw the Dodgers option Kyle Hurt and designate outfielder Alek Thomas for assignment.
The right-hander made seven appearances for Triple-A Oklahoma City before his return to MLB, the first of which came at the beginning of August. He largely functioned in a long relief role, pitching two more more innings in five of his seven outings.
Across those seven appearances, Miller had a 3.86 ERA and struck out 17 batters across 14 innings pitched.
Sep 6, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller (28) throws to first base during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium . Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images
Miller likely would have been with the Dodgers earlier in the season, but an injury to his right shoulder kept him from playing until after the All-Star break.
The 27-year-old also struggled with injuries in 2025, which may have contributed to his brief and difficult time in MLB last year. He made just two appearances for the Dodgers last season, posting a 12.60 ERA over the course of five innings pitched.
That seems to be behind him now, though, as his recent results in the minors and his statement performance on Sunday could demonstrate a return to the spotlight for the right-hander. He will look to continue providing quality performances during his time with the team as he looks to cement his position in LA's bullpen.
