Under the category of ‘If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,’ 29-year-old utility infielder Brad Miller, whom the Dodgers signed to a minor league contract with invitation to major league spring training camp back on February 28, exercised his opt-out clause following Thursday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Fields of Phoenix (formerly known as Maryvale Baseball Park).

As Dodger fans know, Miller has had a very good spring, going 10-for-29 (.385) with two home runs and three RBI. He also made several outstanding defensive plays in the 12 spring training games in which he played.

Under (practically) any other circumstances, the Orlando, Florida native and second-round draft pick by the Mariners in 2011 out of Clemson, who had a 30 home run season with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016, would have been a lock to make the Dodgers 25-man Opening Day roster. But these are not normal circumstances for the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts has repeatedly said throughout the spring that 22-year-old outfielder Alex Verdugo has done everything that he could do at the minor league level and would be included on the Dodgers Opening Day roster; a roster spot that Miller had been competing for with the young outfielder.

“You either make the team or you get to see what your options are,” Miller told reporters earlier this week. “It’s pretty easy for my end. If another team has a big league opportunity, I’m a big league player. I want to make this club. It’s a good team with a lot of good players. It’s a good fit, a winning club and I’ve never played in a postseason. I chose to come here over other spots.

“The biggest thing is, they care to win here. They’ve uncovered every stone, from Minor League signings to trades to waivers to big league signings, everything to get good players on their team and reward them if they perform. That was the biggest draw for me,” Miller added.

But in spite of his efforts and successes, the writing was on the wall for Miller. Earlier in the week, Roberts was asked if they were going to try to encourage Miller to stick it out with them in hopes that he would eventually be called up.

“It’s entirely up to him,” Roberts answered abruptly, suggesting that there would be no such attempt. “He’s had a good spring and has done a good job for us.”

Although it is unknown whether Miller’s agent has been in contact with any other teams yet, chances are exceptionally good that he will be playing in the major leagues at some point this season.

…it just won’t be in a Dodgers uniform.

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