Evaluation Of Top Dodgers Minor League Pitchers: Phillips, Linan, And Quintero

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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Bobby Miller: Power Pitching Potential

Bobby Miller possesses the raw power and potential to become a dominant force in the MLB. His arsenal is built around a truly impressive fastball.

Fastball Velocity and Movement

Miller's fastball consistently sits in the mid-to-upper 90s mph, often touching triple digits. This blistering velocity, combined with significant movement, makes it extremely difficult for hitters to square up.

• Dominant Performances: Multiple outings this season showcased Miller's fastball dominance, resulting in high strikeout totals and low batting averages against. One game saw him strike out 12 batters in just six innings.
• Movement Analysis: The late movement on Miller's fastball, often described as "running," makes it even more challenging for hitters to make solid contact. This movement is a key component of his effectiveness.

Secondary Pitches and Development

While his fastball is his primary weapon, Miller's secondary pitches are steadily developing. He features a sharp slider and a developing curveball, both of which show promise. His changeup, however, needs refinement.

• Strengths & Weaknesses: His slider is his most effective secondary pitch, generating swings and misses. The curveball shows flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency. The changeup needs more velocity separation from his fastball.
• Comparison to MLB Pitchers: Miller's power pitching style is reminiscent of young flamethrowers like Shane Bieber or Walker Buehler, although his development path will ultimately determine his success.

Command and Control

At times, Miller's power pitching leads to inconsistencies in his command. While he can be incredibly dominant, he needs to improve his ability to consistently hit his spots.

• Strong Control Performances: In several outings, Miller demonstrated exceptional control, painting the corners and effectively sequencing his pitches.
• Areas for Improvement: Improving his control, particularly in high-leverage situations, will be crucial for his transition to the major leagues.

Overall Potential and ETA

Miller projects as a potential frontline starter in the MLB. With continued development of his secondary pitches and improved command, he could be a major contributor within the next 1-2 years.

Michael Grove: Refinement and Consistency

Michael Grove is a different type of prospect than Miller. He relies less on overpowering stuff and more on precision and a diverse pitch mix.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Grove's strengths lie in his diverse pitch repertoire and control. However, his velocity isn't elite, and his command can waver.

• Best Performances: Grove excels when he commands his pitches consistently, leading to high-quality starts with low walks and consistent strike totals.
• Weaknesses Exposed: When his command falters, Grove can struggle to get ahead of hitters, leading to longer innings and higher pitch counts.

Pitch Mix and Effectiveness

Grove's effectiveness comes from his ability to mix four distinct pitches: a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. This keeps hitters off balance.

• Pitch Breakdown: His fastball is a solid, albeit not overpowering, pitch. His slider and curveball are effective put-away pitches, while the changeup serves as a valuable weapon against right-handed batters.
• Impact of Pitch Mix: The variety in his repertoire allows him to effectively attack hitters from different angles and with different speeds.

Projection and Major League Readiness

Grove's major league readiness is more immediate than Miller's. He projects as a back-end starter or potentially a high-leverage reliever in the majors, perhaps debuting sooner rather than later.

Ryan Pepiot: Versatility and Adaptability

Ryan Pepiot is a highly versatile pitcher who has shown the ability to adapt his approach depending on the situation.

Pitch Repertoire and Command

Pepiot possesses a well-rounded arsenal of pitches with above-average command.

• Best Pitches and Effectiveness: His changeup is often cited as a plus pitch, giving him a significant advantage against right-handed hitters. His curveball and slider also offer effective put-away options.
• Command and Control Evaluation: Pepiot's command consistently remains a strength, allowing him to effectively attack the strike zone.

Adaptability and Development

Pepiot's ability to adjust his approach based on the hitter and the game situation is a valuable asset.

• Examples of Adaptability: He's shown a willingness to alter his pitch selection and sequencing to exploit hitters' weaknesses, demonstrating maturity beyond his years.
• Minor League Progress: Pepiot has shown steady progress throughout his minor league career, consistently improving his command and refining his secondary pitches.

Potential Major League Role

Pepiot is likely to reach the major leagues soon. His versatility makes him a valuable asset, possibly filling either a starting or relief role, showcasing his adaptability and readiness for the next level.

Conclusion: Assessing the Future of Dodgers' Minor League Pitching

Bobby Miller's power pitching and high ceiling make him a potential ace. Michael Grove's refinement and consistency project him as a reliable starter or reliever. Ryan Pepiot's adaptability and refined skillset suggest immediate major league readiness. Each offers a unique skill set, promising a bright future for the Dodgers' pitching staff. Stay tuned for further updates on these promising Dodgers minor league pitching prospects as they continue their journeys towards the major leagues!