Dodgers will ask rookie pitchers to take on key roles in postseason
Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan, Ryan Pepiot and Michael Grove were all in Arizona last October, watching the postseason from afar. This year, they will be asked to pitch ‘meaningful innings’ as the Dodgers chase a championship.
Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller looks on from the dugout during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. Miller is expected to start Game 2 of the best-of-five series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw looks on from the dugout during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, second from right, talks with his team during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts looks on from the dugout railing during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers utility man Chris Taylor, center, walks over the 2023 Postseason logo during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel throws batting practice during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Freddie Freeman makes contact during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman runs to first after hitting a single during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Freddie Freeman looks on from the dugout during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, center, looks on with coach Bob Geren, left, and third baseman Max Muncy during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts hits during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Fans cheer as the Dodgers play a simulated game during a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, second from right, talks with his team during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, right, and catcher Austin Barnes look on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Evan Phillips throws to the plate during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy takes batting practice before a simulated game during a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts looks on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, right, listens as coach Bob Geren, second from right, speaks as first base coach Clayton McCullough and third base coach Dino Ebel, far left, look on during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers players get loose during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Victor Gonzalez throws to the plate during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Jonny DeLuca, left, looks on from the dugout during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts takes batting practice before a simulated game during a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers outfielder James Outman, left, talks with Miguel Vargas during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, center, talks to his players during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Michael Grove throws to the plate during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Fans cheer as the Dodgers play a simulated game during a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith stands in the dugout during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Freddie Freeman looks over his bats during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts looks on during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers coaches Bob Geren, left, and Dino Ebel scope the scene during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts gets loose during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
The Dodgers’ Miguel Vargas walks through the dugout before they played a simulated game ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers pitcher Lance Lynn looks on from the dugout during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Victor Gonzalez throws to the plate during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller looks on from the dugout during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. Miller is expected to start Game 2 of the best-of-five series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes warms up before a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers relief pitcher Victor Gonzalez throws to the plate during a simulated game ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, left, and catcher Austin Barnes watch from the dugout during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts looks on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts watches batting practice before a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers pitcher Ryan Pepiot looks on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts jogs off the field during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, left, watches from the dugout during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts looks on during a workout ahead of their upcoming National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts watches from the dugout railing during a simulated game that was part of a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers staff members paint the field before the team held a workout ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers batting helmets are lined up in the dugout before they played a simulated game ahead of their National League Division Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, speaks during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes listens to a reporter’s question during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, listens to a reporter’s question during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes listens to a reporter’s question during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, left, speaks as Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes listens during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, laughs during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes listens to a reporter’s question during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, speaks during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, speaks during a press conference after the team held a workout on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will face the Arizona Diamondbacks in a best-of-five National League Division Series that begins Saturday at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
LOS ANGELES — Last October, Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan, Ryan Pepiot and Michael Grove all spent October in Arizona.
Miller wasn’t even throwing. He was working out at Camelback Ranch, rehabilitating a sore shoulder that had limited him to 8⅔ innings with Triple-A Oklahoma City in September.
Sheehan was playing for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League, having spent most of his season in Class-A.
Pepiot and Grove made their big-league debuts during the 2022 season. They pitched in the intrasquad games the Dodgers played before facing the San Diego Padres in the first round of the playoffs then reported to ‘stay-hot camp’ in Glendale – a group of players who continued to work out in case they were needed to replace injured players at any point in the postseason.
A group of the players would get together to watch the Dodgers’ playoff games, Miller said – gatherings that didn’t last very long thanks to the Dodgers’ brief postseason run.
This year, their October agenda is very different. The four rookies figure to get their first taste of postseason baseball from the inside, counted on to play significant roles in the Dodgers’ pitching plans.
“They’re going to pitch meaningful innings for us,” Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said. “Over the course of the year, they’ve been exposed to and handled different adversity and hot situations really well. Pep learning from last year. Emmet, when he’s come back up (at the start of September) has thrown really well. Bobby … he is hungry, learning from each pitch, each outing and trying to continue to improve at every turn.
“So it’s been a group that we’ve watched develop over the years, and then really starting to see them understand how to navigate through lineups and games. We feel very good about this group. And we’ll go see them perform in the postseason on the biggest stage.”
Grove thinks he knows what that stage will be like.
“Electric,” he said. “I just imagine everybody’s locked in on every pitch and it’s going to be an electric environment. I’m excited to be a part of it.
“It’s kind of one of those things where everybody says you have to experience it.”
Pepiot has done his research, asking some of the veteran pitchers what to expect.
“I’ve talked to a few guys in here about the difference between playoffs and regular-season games. I’ve gotten various answers,” he said. “More or less, it’s been that fans are going to be a little more into it, it’s going to be way louder, probably going to have to have Pitch.Com turned all the way up, put your glove over your ear. But it’s still the same game. … Just go out there and compete. Get the outs that you’re asked to get. And score one more run than the other team.”
The four rookies will be asked to get those outs in varying roles. Miller will be the Game 2 starter in the first round against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Pepiot could start Game 3 or be used in a ‘bulk’ role following an opener. Sheehan is likely to pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen, perhaps as a partner with veteran starter Clayton Kershaw or Lance Lynn.
“I’m just going to treat it like any other game,” Miller said. “Don’t make anything too crazy about it. I want to win every game so why make this any different? … I don’t want to change who I am.”
Grove will have to change more than the other three. Originally used as a starter, the Dodgers now view Grove’s greatest value as a reliever. His slider is a weapon they plan to use against right-handed hitters, in particular.
“It’s been my best pitch all year so I’ve just got to keep leaning on it,” Grove said.
The Dodgers will be leaning on the young group. They really have had no other choice after losing Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin to season-ending surgeries and Julio Urias to off-field issues. Walker Buehler’s return won’t happen until 2024 and Noah Syndergaard wasn’t the makeover success story they hoped.
“It’s one of those things that in the offseason, as we’re talking about the depth, these are all guys that we were really excited about, and had and have very high hopes for,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said. “We didn’t necessarily expect to count on them as early as we did. But to their credit, they took that opportunity and have learned and grown in so many ways that benefited the 2023 Dodgers and will continue to this month but will also continue to pay dividends for years to come.”
