Dodgers RHP Bobby Miller improving after being hit by line drive

Los Angeles right-hander Bobby Miller has a residual headache but no fracture or significant bruising a day after being struck in the head by a 106-mph comebacker, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Friday.

Facing the Chicago Cubs' Michael Busch in the top of the third inning in Thursday's spring training opener in Phoenix, Miller couldn't get his glove up in time to avoid taking Busch's drive off his right temple and immediately went to the ground, clutching his face and head.

He was able to get on one knee while being tended to by the training staff before leaving the field on his own. Miller remained in the dugout until the inning ended, then walked to the clubhouse sporting a large welt on the right side of his forehead.

The 25-year-old, who is a candidate for the fifth spot in the Dodgers' rotation, was put in concussion protocol.

"He feels very confident that he can kind of pick up his throwing program soon," Roberts said Friday. "But he's just got to keep going through the concussion protocol just to make sure that we stay on the right track."

Miller burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2023, finishing 11-4 with a 3.76 ERA in 22 starts, but was limited to 13 starts in 2024 due to injuries and inconsistency and finished 2-4 with an 8.52 ERA. The Dodgers' first-round pick in the 2020 draft didn't pitch in the playoffs for the 2024 World Series champions.

Miller posted to X on Thursday night, writing, "Thank you to everyone who has reached out. Really means a lot. Scary moment I'm good! All praise to the man above ... can't wait to get back on the mound."

Roberts didn't specify a timeline for Miller's return to action but appeared optimistic Friday.

"He said in his words, ‘I have a hard head.' He was certainly in good spirits," Roberts said.

--Field Level Media