Dodgers rookie RHP Bobby Miller got his MLB career off to a great start on Tuesday, throwing five one-run innings against the strong Braves lineup in LA’s 8-1 win.
Miller showed all the makings of a future star in this league, pumping six pitches of at least 100 mph, 28 pitches faster than 99 mph and mixing in tons of variety in his secondary pitches.
The Dodgers didn’t seem like they wanted to call Miller up this early in the year, but injuries forced their hand, and it paid instant dividends.
Miller has received tons of praise after his first start, getting it from his manager, his teammates and even MLB analysts.
Over on the MLB Network, Brian Kenny, Steve Phillips and Mark Feinsand talked about Miller’s electric debut, and had some very high praise for the stuff he showed on Tuesday.
“He was electric yesterday against the Atlanta Braves. This young kid has overpowering stuff,” Phillips said. “He averaged 99.4 mph with his fastball in this game yesterday. That is the highest average fastball of any pitcher in the major leagues or minor leagues this year. …
“This guy can get swings-and-misses because he can make a mistake and still get somebody to miss. But his curveball, his slider, his changeup all very effective. He had poise on the mound, and I love that after the fifth inning of the game yesterday, he came off and roared, the competitiveness of him.”
But they weren’t the only MLB Network analysts to give Miller high praise.
Before Miller’s debut, Harold Reynolds broke down his game, and compared him to former Dodger and three-time All-Star starting pitcher Josh Beckett. Here’s what he had to say:
“I love his stuff, it’s electric,” Reynolds said. “That fastball will eat you up, he reminded me a little bit of Walker Buehler with that delivery, but as I looked closer, it is all Josh Beckett for me. He’s got the nasty breaking ball that Josh used to throw, and he’s got that fastball that explodes on the hitters. I think this kid’s got electric stuff.”
Miller has lived up to his top prospect, former first-round pick status in his first start, but the Dodgers have high expectations for the 24-year-old. They want to see him as the future ace of this staff, and someone who headlines the rotation for a long time.
But we don’t have to get ahead of ourselves just yet. For now, we can enjoy his impressive debut, and hope to see many more starts like that this season.
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