Los Angeles Dodgers rookie pitcher Bobby Miller (24) took on the important responsibility of being the starting pitcher for Game 2 of the Division Series.
Miller will start the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 2 of the National League Division Series held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on the 10th (Korean time).
The Dodgers suffered a crushing 2-11 loss in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on the 8th. Ace Clayton Kershaw appeared as the starting pitcher, but collapsed with a loss, allowing 6 hits (1 home run), 1 walk, and 6 runs in ⅓ innings. This is the first time that Kershaw started in a postseason game and was kicked out without completing even one inning.
The Dodgers, who were in crisis, entrusted the important responsibility of starting pitcher in Game 2 to rookie pitcher Miller. Miller, who was selected in the first round (29th pick) of the 2020 rookie draft, debuted in the big leagues this season and had a successful debut season with 11 wins, 4 losses, and an ERA of 3.76 in 22 games (124⅓ innings).
MLB.com, the official major league media, said, “Miller, who was evaluated as the Dodgers’ best pitching prospect since Walker Buehler, did not perform well in Triple A before being called up to the big league. He appeared in only four minor league games this year due to a right shoulder injury. Over the next few months, my perception of him changed dramatically. He overcame all the challenges this season and answered the questions asked of him. “Kershaw was the starting pitcher in Game 1, but Miller is the Dodgers’ most reliable starting pitcher,” he said, announcing Miller’s starting pitcher in Game 2.
Miller, who made his major league debut this year, will of course also make his debut in the postseason. “I’m just really excited,” Miller said. And we’ll just prepare like any other game. “I always want to win every game I pitch,” he said, expressing his feelings about being the starting pitcher in Game 2. 메이저사이트
For a rookie player, the pressure of the postseason is not something that can be easily overcome. MLB.com said, “As the Dodgers realized in Game 1, the nervousness of rookie players becomes a reality in the postseason. James Outman, who showed fantastic defense in the second half of the season, made the mistake of passing the ball as the game started. Outman admitted after the game that the nerves of his first postseason appearance got the better of him.
However, Miller said, “If a problem arises and the situation becomes serious, you just have to make sure the game doesn’t go unnoticed. All you have to do is slow down a little, take your feet off the mound, take a deep breath, and find something that makes you feel a little more mentally at ease. And if you know that being here is a blessing, it’s okay,” he said, expressing confidence.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, “You can’t know until you experience it yourself. I think it’s good for Miller to be a little nervous. It’s a good thing and natural. Once you throw your first pitch, you will slowly learn. “That’s what I expect,” he said, looking forward to Miller’s good performance.
Dodgers main hitter Freddie Freeman said, “Miller is ready. “From the time he made his first appearance this year until now, the way he’s been on the mound, the way he runs the game, and the way he attacks hitters, we have a lot of confidence in him,” he said, expressing his faith in Miller.
Meanwhile, for Arizona, right-handed pitcher Jack Gallen, who has been in the Major League for five years, will be the starting pitcher. Gallen recorded 17 wins, 9 losses, and an ERA of 3.47 in 34 games (210 innings) this season. His postseason appearance included his debut in the last Wild Card Series, where he pitched a six-inning win over Milwaukee, allowing five hits, three walks, four strikeouts, and two runs.