Dodgers Interview: Dave Roberts Talks Sheehan, Lakers Sale, and Roster Adjustments Ahead of Padres Game 3

LOS ANGELES — Before Wednesday night’s series finale against the Padres at Dodger Stadium, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed a wide range of topics—from Emmet Sheehan’s long-awaited return to the rotation, to lineup decisions and the historic Lakers sale that has deep ties to the Dodgers’ ownership.

Sheehan’s Return: “It’s a Big Moment”

Right-hander Emmet Sheehan made his first start of the 2025 season after a lengthy rehab process, and Roberts made it clear that the organization has high hopes, but is managing expectations carefully.

“My expectation is for him to be on the attack,” Roberts said. “We’re obviously taxed in the pen, so we need some length out of him.” Roberts acknowledged Sheehan would be working on a pitch count, estimating “somewhere between the 60–70 pitch mark” for his first outing back.

Roberts reflected on what impressed the team about Sheehan during his rookie campaign: “We liked his makeup, his toughness, his ability to repeat his delivery, the swing-and-miss stuff.” Now, a more physically mature Sheehan returns with improved command. “It’s not just have a big fastball and throw it in the clown’s mouth. It’s commanding it, pitching to different quadrants,” Roberts added.

Tensions with Padres: “None of It Was Intentional”

With tempers flaring in recent games between the Dodgers and Padres—including Shohei Ohtani getting hit on Tuesday—Roberts addressed San Diego manager Mike Shildt’s suggestion that things may have escalated due to a previous Lou Trivino hit-by-pitch on Fernando Tatis Jr.

“We’re not going to open Trevino to hit a right-hand hitter,” Roberts said firmly about last week’s HBP. “That’s why he’s in there—to try to get the right-hand hitter out. We’re not trying to hit the first hitter of the game.” Roberts maintained that “none of the guys that were hit by us was with any intent. Not at all.”

As for whether umpires might issue warnings ahead of Wednesday’s game, Roberts deferred. “That’s more their judgment,” he said. “We’ll kind of wait and see.”

Despite the tension, Roberts said the Dodgers aren’t dwelling on past confrontations. “Right now, as I sit here, we feel pretty good. I feel great. We’ve won two games in the series and I like our chances to win tonight, and that’s our only focus.”

Mark Walter’s Lakers Purchase: “Very Exciting for LA”

The news that Dodgers owner Mark Walter is set to become majority owner of the Lakers at a $10 billion valuation made waves across the sports world—and Roberts was quick to praise Walter’s vision.

“He’s very committed to the city of Los Angeles in various ways,” Roberts said. “Sports is something that he’s very passionate about, and certainly Los Angeles sports.”

As someone who has worked under Walter for nearly a decade, Roberts provided insight into what Lakers fans can expect: “He’s very competitive and he’s going to do everything he can to produce a championship-caliber team every single year and make sure the city feels proud.”

Asked what makes a good owner, Roberts offered: “A person that lets the people he hires do their jobs—which he does a great job of—but also holds us accountable and provides the resources needed to field a championship-caliber team every year.”

And yes, Roberts admitted he’s hoping to enjoy the benefits: “I might add myself to the list” of those hoping for courtside Lakers tickets.

When asked about social media mock-ups of Shohei Ohtani in a Lakers jersey, Roberts laughed. “Hands off Shohei,” he said. “They got enough superstars wearing the purple and gold. Leave him alone.”

Lineup Notes and Player Updates

Roberts gave Will Smith the night off, noting it was a scheduled rest day and that “he’ll be in there tomorrow.” Rookie catcher Dalton Rushing got the start instead, and Roberts praised both his defensive development and mental approach: “His value to the team is to keep listening and watching and learning and dominate behind the plate. Anything we get from him offensively is a bonus—for now.”

Roberts also commented on Michael Conforto‘s offensive struggles: “I think probably just not getting to the heater. That starts to lend to a little cheating, chasing on spin.” Despite some inconsistency, Roberts said Busch remains a regular part of the lineup, though “Hyeseong Kim has earned opportunities” and could see more consistent playing time.

As for Alexis Diaz, who is rehabbing in Triple-A, Roberts was optimistic. “They’ve done a fantastic job as far as identifying some things that got a little wonky with his delivery. He’s back to where he was a few years ago.”

Looking Ahead

With a chance to sweep the Padres and a healthy Emmet Sheehan back on the mound, the Dodgers are focused on keeping momentum going amid a turbulent and headline-filled week in Los Angeles sports.

“We’re ready to go,” Roberts said. “Let’s see what Emmet can do.”

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