When Shelby Miller went on the IL with a neck issue, most people thought he would be out for a couple of weeks at most. He has now been out for a couple of months after it was revealed he was dealing with a nerve issue.
Now, the veteran right-hander is finally on his way back.
According to manager Dave Roberts, Miller’s neck problem "went from his neck to his fingers, where he just didn’t have feeling in his fingers."
Miller’s nerve problem is gone and he's now at the Arizona Complex League starting a rehab assignment. He pitched a scoreless inning this week but there's still no timetable for his return. The earliest he can be activated is August 20th.
When Miller was put on the IL, he was one of the Dodgers’ more reliable relievers. Despite having control problems, Miller pitched 30 innings and struck out 31 while walking 18.
During his major league career, Miller’s enormous talent has been hampered by injuries. He had Tommy John surgery in 2017 and other arm problems along the way.
The Dodger bullpen absolutely needs help. While Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes reacquired Joe Kelly, they needed to acquire more trustworthy relievers. Roberts only trusts Evan Phillips for a good reason.
Before Saturday’s eighth-inning debacle against the Padres, the Dodger bullpen had performed better since the middle of June. Brusdar Graterol and Phillips have been reliable. Since Kelly arrived in Los Angeles, he has been excellent. If Miller can overcome his current injury and return as a dominant reliever, he will play a significant role in the Dodgers’ playoff run. No team can go far in the postseason with a bad bullpen.
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