As the 2024 MLB season unfolds, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in an enviable yet challenging position. With a deep and talented roster, manager Dave Roberts must navigate the difficult task of distributing playing time among his established stars and rising young talent. One of the most intriguing battles is on the pitching staff, where young right-hander Bobby Miller is pushing for a significant role in a rotation brimming with high-profile arms.
The Dodgers’ Roster Depth: A Blessing and a Challenge
The Dodgers have consistently built one of the most formidable rosters in baseball, combining superstar acquisitions with a well-developed farm system. This year is no different, as the team added key players to an already stacked lineup and pitching rotation. With the arrivals of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, alongside returners like Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw (if healthy), Roberts must carefully balance innings for his starters.
This depth is great for the team’s championship aspirations, but it also presents a dilemma—how does Roberts ensure that promising young arms like Bobby Miller get the experience and development they need while still competing for a World Series?
Bobby Miller: Ready for a Bigger Role?
Miller made a strong impression in his rookie season in 2023, showcasing electric stuff and an ability to pitch in high-pressure situations. His fastball, which can touch triple digits, combined with a sharp slider and solid secondary pitches, makes him a future ace in the making. However, with a crowded rotation, his role is uncertain.
If everyone is healthy, the Dodgers could opt to use Miller in a hybrid role, limiting his innings early in the season or even utilizing him as a bullpen weapon. But with the long grind of a 162-game season, injuries and performance struggles are inevitable. Miller will likely get his opportunities to shine—it’s just a matter of when and how often.
How Roberts Can Navigate the Situation
Dave Roberts has always been known for his ability to manage star power while keeping the clubhouse chemistry strong. His challenge in 2024 will be ensuring that young players like Miller remain engaged and ready while not disrupting the rhythm of veteran starters.
One potential solution is a modified six-man rotation at times, which would help manage workloads, especially for pitchers returning from injuries. Another option is leveraging Miller in high-leverage bullpen situations until a rotation spot opens up. Either way, Roberts will need to be strategic in his handling of both veteran and young arms.
A Good Problem to Have
While tough roster decisions can be frustrating, they are ultimately a good problem for the Dodgers. A deep and competitive roster gives them the flexibility to weather injuries and performance fluctuations. If Miller continues to prove himself, the Dodgers will have no choice but to give him more innings, ensuring that one of their brightest young arms continues to develop.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Roberts’ decision-making. If he finds the right balance, the Dodgers could be primed for another deep playoff run, with Bobby Miller playing a key role in their success.
