Bobby Miller’s heroics sets stage for Betts as Dodgers come from behind against Nationals
In a rare rainy atmosphere in Southern California, the Dodgers wrapped up their Labor Day weekend series with a sweep of the Washington Nationals, extending their winning streak to four games.
Outside of weather conditions, the Dodgers faced early trouble after newly activated starter Justin Wrobelski surrendered four earned runs on eight hits in only three innings pitched, as second-half struggles continued for the first-year all-star.
But despite an early exit for the 26-year-old starter, the Dodgers turned the ball over to a familiar right-handed flame-thrower, who would end up having a bigger impact on Sunday night than initially expected.
With injuries to the pitching staff, the Dodgers recently recalled Bobby Miller, who showed shades of all-star potential in 2023, before being limited to Major League time in ‘24 and ‘25 due to injuries and lack of performance.
But the Dodgers decided to give Miller an opportunity in the Sunday night finale against Washington, and the decision to do so gave Los Angeles a chance to come back after trailing 4-1.
Despite early command issues (which may have been a factor due to the ongoing rain), Miller settled down, allowing just one run in three innings pitched. It was the first time in 16 months that Miller pitched on a big league mound, and the opportunity to get back to the majors seemed bleak for a brief moment for the 27-year-old.
”Earlier this year, yeah [it seemed doubtful],” said Miller. After seeing success with Oklahoma City in AAA, Miller always believed he could find his way back to the show.
I feel great. I’ve always had confidence in myself that I’m a big league player. But I’m just grateful to get this opportunity… Sometimes all you need is to be given a shot.”
Miller’s shot came alright, limiting the Nationals to one run, and suddenly a 4-1 deficit only became a 5-4 deficit.
The score remained 5-4 in the eighth inning, but a 2-out hit from Alex Call and a walk from Tommy Edman set the stage for the veteran Mookie Betts, who crushed a go-ahead three-run home run to put the Dodgers in front 7-5.
Betts, with the game-winner, credited Miller’s performance for the win.
“He essentially won us the game,” said Betts. “His stuff looked great… so he’ll be a good piece for us.”
It hasn’t been determined yet if Miller will have a role with the Dodgers for the remainder of the year, as he was initially recalled to help with ongoing injuries to the pitching staff.
He does, however, give the Dodgers a small glimpse of what could be. And with October looming around the corner, everything is on the table.
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