Dodgers Dilemma: Pitcher Trio Fights for Playoff Form

The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing challenges with their pitching rotation for the upcoming playoffs. The focus is particularly on two pitchers whose careers have been marked by different fortunes so far: Walker Buehler and Bobby Miller. Both made appearances in Triple-A last month and now hope to prove themselves at the right time. Tyler Glasnow, another key player, will only be able to return to action over the weekend, while Clayton Kershaw's return is still uncertain. Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to return on September 10, but he is not yet in top form. This presents the team with significant challenges. Manager Dave Roberts views the next few weeks as crucial for the two pitchers. Buehler recently showed promising signs by allowing only two runs over five innings in his start on Tuesday. He achieved this through a balanced combination of his fastballs and off-speed offerings. In contrast, Bobby Miller is struggling to find his form. In his last game against the Los Angeles Angels, he allowed seven runs in five innings, bringing his ERA to 7.79. Particularly problematic were his fastballs against hitters like Mickey Moniak, Niko Kavadas, and Taylor Ward. Miller described the situation as hard to put into words, attributing the issues to his pitch selection and execution. Despite good signs with off-speed pitches and curveballs, Miller's fastball quality showed weaknesses, allowing opposing batters to anticipate and hit his pitches early. Walker Buehler, on the other hand, seems to be on the road to recovery after his second Tommy John surgery. With a solid start over five innings on Tuesday, he made an impressive return. The key was that he used his curveballs more effectively and variably, while maintaining consistent pitch execution. For both pitchers, time is running out before the playoffs. Buehler hopes to further stabilize his form in the remaining weeks and return to past performances. Miller, on the other hand, is under pressure to show visible improvements to justify his place on the team.