Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — In a press conference ahead of Game One of the World Series, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided updates on the team’s pitching rotation, player health, and roster decisions. Roberts announced that Jack Flaherty will start Game One on Friday, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to pitch in Game Two. Doc praised Flaherty’s experience and composure on the mound, even referencing lessons learned from Flaherty’s previous start against the Mets in which he got rocked for eight earned runs. “He’s seen it all, and… we weathered it… he’s healthy now and he’ll spit out a good one on Friday,” Roberts said with confidence.
Pitching Decisions
The Dodgers skipper explained that choosing Flaherty and Yamamoto for the first two games was based on optimizing their rest and readiness. “Jack’s been really good for us,” he said of Flaherty, adding that the decision was made with an eye on the entire series. The goal is to give both pitchers the best chance to succeed, and by setting up Yamamoto for Game Two, the Dodgers can potentially have him pitch again in Game Six. Roberts noted that discussions would continue over the next few days to finalize plans for Games Three and Four, where they might employ a bullpen game or start Walker Buehler.
The bullpen is expected to play a significant role, with Roberts confirming that there will indeed be a bullpen game during the series. He said the team is carefully considering how pitchers like Flaherty, Yamamoto, and Buehler will be used while also factoring in bullpen availability and rest days. “We have to see how… game three potentially looks as we go into game three coming off an off day,” Roberts explained.
Injury Updates: Vesia, Graterol, and Freddie Freeman
Roberts addressed the status of injured players, noting that decisions on relievers Alex Vesia and Brusdar Graterol would come down to the wire. “Vesia is going to throw a live [session] today or tomorrow… both are trending in the right direction,” he stated, emphasizing that their availability would be determined shortly before Game One. While Graterol is set to throw a bullpen session, he will not face live hitters before a final decision is made.
First baseman Freddie Freeman has been nursing an ankle injury, but Roberts sounded optimistic about his availability for Game One. “I think these days off are going to help him… we got four more days to nurse his ankle back to health,” he said. Freeman’s swing appeared to be improving in workouts before Game Six of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), and Roberts noted that his defensive limitations were the reason for keeping him out of the lineup during that game. The extra rest days are expected to ensure Freeman can play a full nine innings in the World Series.
Roster Considerations: Gavin Lux and Miguel Rojas
Gavin Lux’s hip issue has been managed carefully to avoid regression, with Roberts anticipating that the infielder will be ready for Game One. “We did a good job of trying to pick our spots… to not regress with the hip flexor,” he said. Lux was used sparingly during the NLCS to allow additional recovery time, and Roberts expressed confidence that the extra days off would make Lux a “full go” for the World Series opener.
As for Miguel Rojas, who was left off the NLCS roster due to injury, his status remains uncertain. Roberts acknowledged that Rojas has made strides but still needs to prove his ability to run and defend effectively. “I’m hopeful, but not certain right now,” Roberts admitted, indicating that his inclusion on the World Series roster will depend on his physical progress in the coming days.
Mookie Betts‘ Return to Right Field
Roberts also discussed Mookie Betts’ role and the decision to move him back to right field after a stint in the infield. The manager revealed that the decision was made as Betts was nearing full health, and that infielder Gavin Lux had been playing well enough at second base to warrant the shift. “Having it be Mookie made it 100% easier,” Roberts said, referring to the ease with which the transition was made, crediting Betts’ adaptability and team-first mentality.
Betts’ willingness to move back to the outfield was facilitated by conversations with Roberts and general manager Andrew Friedman, who recognized Betts’ versatility as crucial for the team’s overall success. “We felt that he could do it, and we were a better team if he did bounce back out to right field,” Roberts said.
Contributions from the Supporting Cast
While much attention is focused on the stars like Betts and Freeman, Roberts acknowledged the crucial role of the supporting cast, citing the example of Tommy Edman, who was named NLCS MVP for his clutch hitting. “A lot of times, how it plays out [is that] managers [and] pitchers are more reluctant to let the stars beat them,” Roberts noted, pointing out that contributions from players like Edman often make the difference in pivotal series.
Facing Aaron Boone and the Yankees
Roberts touched on his relationship with Yankees manager Aaron Boone, recalling their history of competing against each other dating back to their college days. “We have a very good relationship… we played against each other in college,” he said, adding that while they haven’t communicated during the postseason, they would likely catch up before the series. Reflecting on the rivalry between the Dodgers and Yankees, Roberts highlighted its long-standing significance and said it was “pretty remarkable” that they would now be facing each other as veteran managers in the World Series.
The World Series begins on Friday Night with Jack Flaherty locking horns with last year’s Cy Young award winner Garrit Cole. Game time is 5:00 PDT. Let’s do this!
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