Miller to IL with right shoulder inflammation

April 14th, 2024

LOS ANGELES -- Before Saturday’s game against the Padres, the Dodgers announced that was going on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation, retroactive to April 11.

Manager Dave Roberts said Miller didn’t hurt sustain the injury on a specific pitch or play, but that the shoulder “hasn’t been recovering” as well as the team had hoped over his last few games. Following a dominant season debut, Miller has struggled over his last two outings. In three starts this season, Miller is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA.

“With Bobby, with the inflamed shoulder, I don't know how long that's going to be,” Roberts said. “I think for us, there’s a little smoke, there’s a long way to go, so we want to kind of nip it early. I think after the last start, he just wasn’t recovering right.”

This is Miller’s first time landing on the IL since being called up in 2023. The young right-hander dealt with right shoulder problems in Spring Training last season, forcing him to miss most of camp and not appearing in any Cactus League games that spring.

Miller underwent some tests on Saturday, according to a source, showing no structural damage to the right shoulder. The Dodgers are optimistic that they’ve avoided a major injury with Miller, but they’ll also be mindful of how they handle his return, given his importance for the rest of the season.

Losing Miller even for a couple of weeks is a big blow to the Dodgers’ rotation. Miller has been one of the most reliable options over the past year and has looked poised for a big sophomore season. With Miller down, the Dodgers will continue leaning on Tyler Glasnow, James Paxton, Gavin Stone and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Walker Buehler could have also been an option, but the right-hander only went two innings in his last rehab start on Friday after taking a line drive to his right hand. Emmet Sheehan is on the 60-day injured list and won’t be available.

The most likely option to fill in for Miller is Ryan Yarbrough, who is the most built-up pitcher in the bullpen. Yarbrough has plenty of starting experience and could come in after an opener, if necessary.

In addition to Miller, the Dodgers also placed right-hander Connor Brogdon on the 15-day IL and recalled right-hander J.P. Feyereisen and left-hander Nick Ramirez to the active roster.