Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — As your Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the New York Mets, manager Dave Roberts spoke with the media about the team’s pitching strategies, roster decisions, and the challenges of facing a red-hot Mets lineup. Here are the key takeaways from Roberts’ press availability on Saturday:
Starting Pitching Decisions Still Being Finalized
Roberts confirmed that the Dodgers have settled on their Game 1 starter but are still weighing their options for the rest of the series. “I think it was easy in the sense of, you know, when he was lined up, his start days, and all that stuff,” Roberts explained. While the Game 2 and Game 3 starters are still undecided, Roberts noted that “anything’s on the table” for Game 2, emphasizing that the team has several strong options to consider.
One key factor in the pitching strategy revolves around keeping the routine for their pitchers intact. When discussing the possibility of altering the schedule for star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roberts made it clear that the team would likely stick to a regular routine for him. “With Yamamoto versus any other starter, their regular routine is their regular routine, and any deviation would be short rest,” Roberts said. He hinted that Yamamoto would most likely stay on his usual rotation, limiting him to one start in the series unless adjustments are made.
Injury Concerns: Alex Vesia “unlikely” to be available for Mets series
In terms of the roster, one of the main issues is the health of reliever Alex Vesia, who had to be removed from the Game on Saturday after pitching to just one batter. Now, it turns out the Dodgers’ lefty is dealing with an intercostal strain. Roberts provided an update on Vesia’s condition, indicating that while Vesia “feels good,” it is “highly unlikely that he’s active for this next series.” The Dodgers will need to make some adjustments if Vesia is not available, and Roberts acknowledged that the team would “have to make a decision” regarding the pitching staff if Vesia is left off the NLCS roster.
Other injured players, such as Joe Kelly and Brusdar Graterol, were also ruled out for the upcoming series. When asked about their potential returns, Roberts was straightforward: “They’re not going to be options.” However, there are still some viable alternatives, including Brent Honeywell, who has remained active by pitching to Dodgers hitters on off days. Honeywell could fill a long-relief role if needed, especially given the length and intensity of a potential seven-game series.
Tony Gonsolin‘s Possible Role and Bullpen Strategy
Tony Gonsolin’s availability was also a topic of discussion, with Roberts stating that while Gonsolin is an “option,” the decision to include him will hinge on several factors. “If you look at kind of Tony’s pitch mix and experience, he makes sense,” Roberts noted. However, the Dodgers are weighing the risk of putting him in high-stress situations, considering the implications for his health and future. The decision will be made carefully, taking into account both the immediate need for pitching depth and the desire to avoid overburdening Gonsolin.
As for the bullpen, Roberts admitted that while the team leaned heavily on relievers in the previous series, a similar approach might not be feasible in the NLCS. “In a seven-game series, we don’t have the luxury to kind of max out guys like we did from the pen in a five-game series,” Roberts acknowledged. The possibility of bullpen games is on the table, but the Dodgers will need to stretch out their starters more and rely on a wider array of pitchers to cover innings.
Freddie Freeman‘s Ankle Injury and Lineup Considerations
Freddie Freeman’s health has been a concern for the Dodgers, with the star first baseman dealing with an ankle issue. Roberts shared that Freeman’s condition has improved, and he remains optimistic about Freeman’s availability for Game 1. “He feels better today than he did yesterday, so I think that’s encouraging,” Roberts said, noting that the plan is to take it day by day to ensure Freeman can contribute as much as possible. “Right now, I feel very confident that he’ll be in there tomorrow.”
The manager expressed relief when Freeman confirmed he was ready to play shortly before the last game, calling it “very nice to see.” Freeman’s presence is crucial, especially given his leadership and offensive contributions, and the Dodgers will monitor his status closely throughout the series.
Embracing the Underdog Mentality
The Dodgers come into the NLCS feeling somewhat overlooked, which has fueled a sense of motivation within the team. Roberts mentioned that he saw a quote from Kiké Hernández describing the Dodgers as a “group of fellas who don’t give a hoot (PG-13 version).” Roberts noted that the players have taken it personally that many people are counting them out, despite having a talented and resilient roster. “I do feel that our guys can feel everyone picking against us,” he said. “We have a very talented team, but I still don’t mind that kind of underdog, fighter mentality.”
This mindset is especially relevant as the Dodgers prepare to face a Mets team that is playing some of its best baseball of the season. Roberts acknowledged that the Mets are a “completely different team” than they were earlier in the year and that players like Francisco Lindor have regained their form. “They’re playing considerably better… Lindor is back to being Frankie,” Roberts commented, stressing the need for the Dodgers to maintain the same level of intensity that helped them overcome the Padres in the previous round.
Preparing for the Unexpected in Postseason Baseball
Reflecting on his experience managing in the postseason, Roberts admitted that things can change rapidly in October. “Every game is of the highest importance,” he said, describing how the roles of players can differ from the regular season and how the intensity of each pitch is elevated. He recalled nerve-wracking decisions from previous postseasons, such as bringing in Clayton Kershaw in relief or facing situations where the game hangs on a single pitch.
With the series set to begin, the Dodgers will look to replicate the energy they displayed in the previous round while staying flexible in their approach. As Roberts put it, “We have to come with the same intensity, focus, and energy that we had in the last series.”
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
