Dodgers Open Cactus League with Loss; Bobby Miller Exits After Comebacker to Head
The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their 2025 Cactus League campaign with a 7-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on February 21, 2025, in their first spring training game of the season. While the game’s result wasn’t what they hoped for, the Dodgers’ main concern came after an unfortunate injury to one of their top pitching prospects, Bobby Miller, who was hit in the head by a comebacker during his outing.
Bobby Miller’s Injury Scare
Miller, a highly touted prospect who is expected to play a crucial role in the Dodgers’ pitching rotation this season, was making his first start of the spring. He showed his potential early, with a smooth delivery and some solid command. However, in the second inning, disaster struck.
With one out, Miller threw a 2-2 pitch that was sharply hit back at him by the Diamondbacks’ batter. The ball struck him on the side of the head, near his ear. Immediately, Miller fell to the ground in visible pain, and the Dodgers’ training staff rushed to the mound. After a few tense moments, Miller walked off the field under his own power, but it was clear the injury had left him shaken.
The Dodgers have not yet provided a detailed update on Miller’s condition, but it appears that he avoided a major head injury, which is a relief for both Miller and the team. The severity of the injury will likely be evaluated further, with more information expected in the coming days. Dodgers fans and the coaching staff are hopeful that Miller will only require some rest and that he can resume his spring training progression soon.
Despite the scare, Miller’s stuff was impressive in his brief time on the mound. His fastball was clocked at 97 mph, and his breaking ball showed good movement. If Miller is cleared to pitch again this spring, he will be one of the key candidates for a spot in the Dodgers’ starting rotation.
Spring Debut Struggles for Dodgers’ Offense
As for the game itself, the Dodgers found themselves in a hole early. Arizona jumped to a 4-0 lead in the second inning, taking advantage of some sloppy defense and a few mistakes from the Dodgers’ pitchers. Noah Syndergaard, who was slated to follow Miller, also struggled in his debut, allowing two earned runs over two innings of work. Syndergaard showed flashes of his trademark velocity but didn’t have the same command that the Dodgers were hoping for from him this spring.
The Dodgers’ offense, meanwhile, couldn’t find much rhythm against the Diamondbacks’ pitchers. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts both went 0-for-3, and Will Smith also struggled at the plate, going 0-for-2. The Dodgers’ lineup, featuring many of their regulars, didn’t capitalize on scoring opportunities, and Arizona’s pitchers kept them in check for most of the game.
Despite the loss, the Dodgers showed some fight late. Chris Taylor and Max Muncy both provided key hits, and James Outman delivered a pinch-hit single in the ninth inning to pull the Dodgers within two runs. However, the team’s rally fell short, and they couldn’t overcome the early deficit.
Pitching Depth and Spring Training Focus
Although the Dodgers came up short on the scoreboard, there were some encouraging signs on the mound. Clayton Kershaw is expected to make his spring debut in the next few days, and Dustin May will also be looking to build upon his solid 2024 season. The Dodgers will be focused on evaluating their pitching depth throughout the spring, as they work to finalize their rotation for the regular season.
One bright spot for the Dodgers was Victor González, who pitched a clean inning of relief in the game. González showed great control and command, and his performance could earn him a spot in the bullpen as the Dodgers look to fortify their relief corps.
The spring training games, while important for developing chemistry and refining individual performances, are often a time to get players back into game shape and assess areas that need improvement. The Dodgers’ loss to the Diamondbacks is just one of many spring games, and manager Dave Roberts will certainly keep the bigger picture in mind as the team works through this exhibition season.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers’ next Cactus League game is set for February 22, 2025, against the Chicago Cubs, where the team will look to bounce back from this opening loss. With the loss of Miller being the most significant takeaway from the game, the Dodgers will be keeping a close eye on his recovery, as he is a key piece of their future rotation.
Spring training is a time to build momentum, recover from injuries, and work on fine-tuning for the regular season. For the Dodgers, the priority is staying healthy and preparing for what promises to be another exciting season in a competitive National League West division.
As for Bobby Miller, the Dodgers and their fans will be holding their breath until they receive further updates, hoping for a swift recovery and a smooth return to action. Should he be ready for the start of the regular season, Miller could be an exciting young arm to watch alongside the established stars in the Dodgers’ rotation.