There were times during Bobby Miller’s splendid 2023 rookie season for the Dodgers that he appeared to have the makings of a future ace. He went 11-4 with a 3.76 ERA in 22 starts, and struck out 119 batters against just 32 walks.

And 2024 was off to a rousing start when he struck out 11 batters in 6.0 innings of work on march 29. From there, though, disaster struck. Miller lost command of his fastball, was knocked around easily, struggled with injuries and finished the year with a 2-4 record and an ERA of 8.52 in 13 starts.

He walked 30 and let up 17 home runs in just 56.0 innings pitched.

Miller came back with some adjustments in hopes of a better 2025, though he may have lost a spot in the rotation with the signings of Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell, plus the expected return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound. Miller is projected to have a shot at the No. 5 spot in the rotation.

“It was obviously a rough year, but I saw what I was able to do as a rookie, so that’s the bright side,” Miller told the team’s website. “Another bright side is it can’t get much worse than what it was last year. But as of right now, I’m feeling in a way better spot than I was last year. Physically, I feel more ready than ever.”

But Miller’s 2025 is already off to a snakebitten start as the Dodgers faced the Cubs in a Cactus League game on Thursday. On Miller’s 11th pitch of the game, Chicago’s Michael Busch his a comeback liner up the middle which hit Miller in the head with a loud and forceful thud.

Miller went to the ground clutching his head and writhed in pain. He was attended by team trainers and, after a few tense moments, was able to walk off under his own power.

After an early Dodgers lead, the Cubs held a late advantage in the spring game, 9-3.