Dodgers right-hand pitcher Bobby Miller was hit in the head by a thrashing ball in Thursday's game and no fractures were found despite showing symptoms of headaches, head coach Dave Roberts said.

"He did escape a more serious injury," Roberts said, "in many ways." ”

"He said in his own words, 'My head is hard.' ”

Miller, who was hit on the right side of the head by Michael Busch's hard-hitting ball in his Cactus League debut against the Cubs on Thursday, is still in a concussion protocol, but Roberts said all signs are good.

"He's in good spirits," Roberts said after speaking with Miller Friday morning, "with no fractures." He slept well. I feel so much better today than I did yesterday. Today is a day off. ”

"He's very confident he'll be back to pitching soon. He just needs to continue to follow the concussion protocol to make sure we're on the right track. ”

Roberts said there will be no plans for the next step until Miller passes the concussion protocol.

Miller was hit while throwing his 11th (and last) of the game. Busch hit the ball at a muzzle velocity of 105.5 mph and Miller's hat was knocked into the air and he fell to the ground. On Friday he reported no bruises.

Although Miller briefly fell to his knees during the team doctor's examination, he was able to walk off the court on his own. His performance, as well as his attitude during the team doctor's examination, relieved third baseman Max Muncy that the injury may not be serious.

"It's always very scary," Muncy said, "and luckily he looks fine." When the team doctor came out and asked him if he knew where he was, he made a joke about throwing a curved ball. At that moment, you know he's okay. ”

The 25-year-old is looking to shake off his sluggish 2024 season and is competing for the last spot on the Dodgers' starting rotation.

"It was an absolutely scary moment. You definitely don't want that to happen to anyone," said Busch, who played for the Dodgers before being traded to the Cubs last offseason. "Knowing who Bobby is, how hard he works, how competitive he is – we've been together for a couple of years – yes, it's a really scary moment. I was praying for him on the pitch. ”

"I hope he is healthy and I will continue to pray for him and hope that he recovers in the right direction."