Miller struck on head, in concussion protocol

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Bobby Miller is in concussion protocol after being struck on the head by a line drive in the third inning of Thursday's game against the Cubs, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.

Miller's 11th and final pitch of his outing was hit back at him at 105.5 mph off the bat of Cubs first baseman Michael Busch. Miller threw up his hands as the ball flew at him, and his hat was knocked off his head as he fell to the ground. A red welt was visible on the right front side of his head as he exited the game.

"It squared him up pretty good," Roberts said after the Dodgers' 12-4 loss to the Cubs in the Cactus League opener. "It was kind of the front side of the head, and you can just see the distance that it traveled once it hit. So there was some deflection, but it hit him pretty flush."

Miller was still undergoing testing while the Dodgers' clubhouse was open to the media.

Although Miller was on his knees briefly when a Dodgers trainer came out to check on him, he was able to walk off the field under his own power. That, as well as his demeanor during the trainer visit, reassured third baseman Max Muncy that the injury might not be too serious.

"It's always very terrifying and frightening," Muncy said. "Thankfully, he seems like he was OK. When the trainer came out, asked him if he knew where he was, he made a little joke about hanging a curveball. Right then, you kind of knew he was fine."

The Dodgers will monitor Miller for the next couple of days before figuring out how his return to baseball activities will look. The 25-year-old right-hander has impressed Roberts early in camp with his mindset as he looks to put a disappointing 2024 campaign behind him, and he's in the mix for the last spot in the Dodgers' rotation.

"I think he¡¯s going to regroup, lay low and get his wits about him, and make sure he¡¯s OK," Roberts said. "After that, Lord willing he¡¯s fine, then I think we¡¯ll have the conversation, because ¡­ he¡¯s going to want to get back out there.¡±