Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Heading into NLCS Game 6 with a 3-2 series lead over the Mets, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the urgency of clinching at home, treating the matchup as a must-win despite the cushion of a potential Game 7. “It is going to be a bullpen game, similar to what we did in Game 2,” Roberts said in his pre-game interview, though he noted, “with the expectation of better execution.” He added that the pitching plan remains flexible, as it would depend on “how they construct the lineup.”
The question of whether Shohei Ohtani would be available to pitch was quickly shut down by Roberts, who confirmed, “He is not.” He also clarified that while the team is in “all hands on deck” mode, Yoshinobu Yamamoto would not be one of the options in relief.
Roberts acknowledged the balancing act required when managing a seven-game series, particularly with bullpen usage. “You want to go all in for Game 6 but also have to be ready for a Game 7 potentially,” he explained. Still, he expressed confidence in his relievers, who are well-rested thanks to the off day before Game 6. “I do feel that… we’re very well equipped to prevent runs for a potential two games.”
The manager suggested he would not hesitate to extend the workload of key relievers. When asked about potentially using his top bullpen arms for four or even five outs, Roberts replied, “A few of them for sure… given where we’re at today with the off day… I think they’re all—they’ll do whatever is asked of them.” He highlighted that the situation in the game would dictate the approach, especially in a scenario where they are “in a victory formation.”
Reflecting on his bullpen management approach, Roberts noted how his strategies have evolved over the years. He admitted that the “trust tree” in the bullpen can lead to overexposing certain relievers in crucial moments, something he has learned from past postseason experiences, such as Brandon Morrow’s heavy usage during the 2017 World Series. “In each moment you feel that that’s always the best option… for fear that if you go somewhere else or with another player and it doesn’t work out, you didn’t deploy your best option,” Roberts said, while acknowledging that sometimes the outcome forces him to “reassess and reevaluate if the process is right.”
Regarding player health, Roberts gave an update on first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has been battling an ankle injury. “I do think that his swing has been compromised because of the ankle, and he’s grinding,” he acknowledged, adding, “As I sit here, I’m expecting him in there, but… if it’s costly for him, for us, then we’ll certainly pivot.” Roberts emphasized the importance of balancing Freeman’s contributions with the potential risk, stating, “I’m not going to compromise his health or certainly winning a game tomorrow if he’s not mentally and/or physically ready to go.”
Gavin Lux’s status also came up, with Roberts indicating the young infielder is “doing better each day.” Although Lux is “not 100%,” Roberts felt comfortable using him for a pinch-hit appearance in Game 5, and said, “I think that we’re getting into a good spot… hopefully we’re out of the woods with Gavin.”
Teoscar Hernández’s struggles against fastballs in the series were also a topic. Roberts remarked, “I think Teoscar is missing fastballs… I think they’re just kind of bullying with the heater.” He predicted that the Mets’ Game 6 starter would follow the same strategy, and emphasized the importance of Hernández making adjustments. “If you can’t hit the fastball… you just expose yourself,” Roberts explained.
The Dodgers’ ability to secure leads and maintain them has been a pattern in the series. Roberts attributed this to effective bullpen use, saying, “Leverage relievers are leverage relievers for a reason, and typically… once they catch a lead, it’s just hard to… get back into a game.” He praised Brent Honeywell’s performance in Game 5 for stabilizing the bullpen’s workload. “What he did for us is going to really help us going forward,” Roberts said, recognizing the value of Honeywell’s contribution despite the team allowing late runs.
When asked about the use of bullpen games in general, Roberts admitted, “I really… feel that a bullpen game gives you a really good chance to prevent runs.” He expressed hope that starters would eventually play a larger role in the postseason, stating, “I’d love to have John Smoltz or Greg Maddux go seven shutout or throw a one-hitter or two-hitter in a World Series.”
Roberts expressed optimism about the potential to clinch the series at Dodger Stadium. “It would be awesome,” he said, describing what it would mean to secure the pennant in front of the home crowd. He shared that he uses visualization as part of his preparation, envisioning good outcomes for the team. “It’s always fun to clinch, but to be able to do it at home is something really special,” he concluded. With the Dodgers fully committed to winning Game 6, Roberts is confident they are well-prepared to avoid the uncertainty of a Game 7 and advance to the World Series.
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