The Los Angeles Dodgers announced a roster change before their Saturday matchup against the New York Mets, recalling pitcher Bobby Miller and optioning Matt Sauer to Triple-A Oklahoma City. This adjustment comes as the team manages its pitching resources following a demanding 13-inning game on Friday.
The extended game included a lengthy rain delay lasting almost two hours, which limited Clayton Kershaw to just two innings of work. As a result, the Dodgers required fresh arms to handle their bullpen workload heading into the weekend.
Pitching Performance and Usage in the Recent Marathon Game
During Friday’s game, Matt Sauer and Ben Casparius each contributed three innings, easing some pressure off the Dodgers’ bullpen. However, after Tanner Scott surrendered a crucial save, sending the contest into extras, the team deployed seven of their eight available relievers, leaving only Jack Dreyer unused.
Bobby Miller, recalled for this series, previously appeared with the Dodgers in mid-April for a spot start but struggled to maintain effectiveness. Despite initially benefiting from a 7-1 lead after the first inning, Miller allowed a grand slam and five runs in the third, which erased the Dodgers’ advantage and limited him to three innings pitched. He did record seven strikeouts but could not extend his outing or keep runs off the board.
Miller’s track record shows challenges at both the Triple-A and MLB levels, with a 4.63 ERA and 1.49 WHIP across 35 innings in the minors and a career MLB ERA of 5.45 over 183.1 innings.
Matt Sauer Returns to Triple-A After Solid Efforts
Following his three-inning relief appearance on Friday, Matt Sauer is set to head back to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Sauer entered the game soon after a rain delay lasting one hour and 38 minutes and pitched effectively alongside Casparius to cover six innings combined.
Despite their efforts, the bullpen’s workload expanded after Scott’s blown save, forcing the usage of nearly all available relief pitchers. Sauer’s numbers during his stints with the Dodgers have been strong, posting a 1-0 record, a 3.05 ERA, and a 0.92 WHIP across seven games, including one start, demonstrating promise despite inconsistent team outcomes.
Implications for Dodgers’ Bullpen and Upcoming Games
These roster moves reflect the Dodgers’ ongoing effort to manage pitching depth carefully, especially as they navigate tight schedules with marathon games and weather delays. Bringing Miller back offers additional options despite his mixed performances, while sending Sauer down preserves his availability for future call-ups and workload management.
With key pitchers like Clayton Kershaw limited recently, the Dodgers will continue adjusting their bullpen as they face tough opponents like the Mets. How these changes impact their pitching effectiveness will be evident in their next outings, as the team seeks stability and success heading deeper into the season.