Dodgers News: Start vs Mariners a Test for Bobby Miller, According to Roberts

Bobby Miller proving he can handle big spots

Friday night's Dodgers game in Seattle was a battle between two teams that can do damage in the playoffs. While the Mariners are still competing for either the division or Wild Card spot, they are a team that could be scary in October. 

For the Dodgers, their rookie was called upon to open the series and pitch against one the best offenses in the American League. 

When he was nodded with the start in front of a sellout crowd in T-Mobile Park, Bobby Miller lived up to the test that Dave Roberts set out for him. 

“That was a test,” Roberts said. “I think this environment on the road, a little bit more hostile, your adrenaline starts to kind of seep through. How do you manage emotions? That was something I wanted to see.” (Via Orang Country Register)

Miller tossed 5.2 innings while giving up three earned runs and striking out seven. This was en route to the rookie's 10th win of the season. Miller is the first Dodgers rookie since Kenta Maeda in 2016 to reach that mark. 

Throwing Miller into the game and seeing him succeed was a part of Roberts' plan to see whether or not the right-hander is ready for big moments. 

“He was efficient, then there became some stress. I think for me, personally, I want to see it,” Roberts said. “I want him to be able to manage, and see how he navigates." (Via Orange Country Register)

Earlier this week, Roberts confirmed that Miller will be starting one of the first two games of the NLDS when the postseason begins in the first week of October. 

This is a big honor for a guy who didn't even start the season in Los Angeles. With all the troubles the Dodgers starting rotation is going through, Miller needs to be the guy this postseason.