Dodgers’ Bobby Miller resumes search for rotation spot at Triple-A

Bobby Miller will take the mound Saturday night for Triple-A Oklahoma City Baseball Club in Round Rock.

This is his first minor league appearance in 11 days.

The Dodgers optioned Miller on July 10, a day after the worst start of his young career. He allowed nine runs in four innings against the National League-best Philadelphia Phillies and saw his earned run average rise to 8.07.

Miller’s disaster in the City of Brotherly Love was his 19th run allowed in 17.1 innings in four starts since returning from a 10-week absence with right shoulder inflammation. His demotion was unexpected, but not undeserved. He had stumbled through the first half of the season, searching for the form that would have earned him a starting job after spring training.

Los Angeles wants its player development department to improve his game so he can be back in top form in time for the playoffs.

“You can see it taking its toll,” Roberts said of Miller’s struggles. “When I take him out of a game, you just see the weight and the stress that he puts on himself. So I think it’s good for him to get him out of that environment. He’ll come back rejuvenated, recharged, and throw the baseball like we know he can.”

Miller’s minor league stint has no timetable. Roberts said the club needs him to “finish hitters when he has the count leverage; control the baseball, especially the fastball; and get his changeup back to a swing-and-miss pitch.”

Hopefully Miller can rediscover his game and become the pitcher he was last season, because the Dodgers absolutely need healthy starting pitchers.