Dodgers News: LA Activates Top Reliever to Bolster Bullpen After Months-Long Absence

It's a much welcome addition to the Dodgers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are ending an incredible month of August on Thursday, a month where they've gone 24-4 ahead of their series opener against the National League leading Atlanta Braves. 

But that doesn't mean LA couldn't stand to improve, and they're getting a great addition to the active roster -- one that's been out for months. 

The Dodgers activated relief pitcher Shelby Miller from the 60-day injured list ahead of their first game against Atlanta. The team optioned starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move. 

The Dodgers have activated RHP Shelby Miller from the injured list and optioned RHP Ryan Pepiot.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 31, 2023

Miller, who has been a standout for the Dodgers in his first season, hasn't pitched for Los Angeles since June 15th since going on the IL with neck pain. 

But the 32-year-old has been a revelation for LA since signing a modest one-year, $1.5 million contract this offseason, turning that into a 2.40 ERA over 25 appearances, a stat that's on track to be a career low for the righty in a full season. 

He'd steadily seen his role increase as well, pitching in higher leverage situations until his season was interrupted by his injured list stint. 

He'll join a Dodger bullpen that's turned from one of the more unreliable units in the sport into one of the better ones, posting the 10th best ERA in MLB with a collective 3.76 mark. 

Adding Miller back to the equation after his extended absence will only help the Dodgers as they get set to head into the postseason. The team's increased their modest three-game NL West lead into a 14.5 game advantage, and they look like they're primed for contention in October.