Clayton Kershaw will take a major step forward on his path toward returning to the mound for the Dodgers on Wednesday. Announced by the club earlier this week, the future Hall of Famer is set for his first rehab start at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Kershaw will not be the only Dodgers hurler making a first of the season Wednesday, as Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts has named Bobby Miller the starter for the series finale against the Rockies. It will be the former top prospect’s 2025 MLB debut. 

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Bobby Miller; Aug 23, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Miller has made three appearances (two starts) for OKC so far this year with mixed results. The 2.25 ERA and .146 AVG against are great. The 11 walks across 12.0 innings are not. 

The control, or lack thereof, is something that plagued Miller during his struggles at the MLB level last season. The big righty issued 4.8 BB/9 while laboring to an 8.52 ERA and 1.77 WHIP across 13 starts for the Dodgers in 2024. 

Obviously desiring to put that sophomore season behind him. Miller will try to rediscover the form that made him a breakout rookie in 2023. Over 22 starts for the Dodgers that year, he picked up 11 wins alongside a 3.76 ERA and 119-to-32 K/BB across 124.1 innings.

Wednesday’s outing could end up just being a spot start for Miller. If he takes advantage of his first big-league opportunity since Sep. 17, however, the 26-year-old could give the Dodgers brass enough confidence to allow him some additional chances to reestablish himself at the show.