QUEENS, NY — Ahead of Saturday’s matchup with the Mets at Citi Field, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts met with reporters and offered wide-ranging updates on pitching plans, player performances, and the development of rising stars like Ben Casparius, Bobby Miller, and Dalton Rushing.
Bobby Miller Returns to Bolster Bullpen
One of the biggest roster updates involved right-hander Bobby Miller, who will join the team in New York. “We’ve got Bobby Miller coming. We sent Matt Sauer out,” Roberts confirmed. “Matt’s been great for us, but we need to protect our downside. Bobby will be in the pen. He lands at some point this afternoon.”
With Clayton Kershaw going only two innings in a rain-delayed start Friday, Roberts was asked if the rotation needed reshuffling. “He’s still Wednesday (against Cleveland),” Roberts said, repeating it for emphasis.
Approach with RISP a Mindset—and a Skill
The Dodgers continue to thrive offensively with runners in scoring position, thanks in large part to Will Smith and Teoscar Hernández. “I think the common thread to start is there is a value in runs batted in for them,” Roberts explained. “They really value getting a hit and driving in a run… These guys are just good hitters. This day and age, guys just don’t value driving in a run and don’t know how to get a base hit. Those two guys are very good at it.”
Asked whether he expects their success with RISP to sustain, Roberts acknowledged the likelihood of some regression, but emphasized that their “intent and focus in those situations will continue.”
Roberts also praised the team-wide performance with RISP, which sits above .300. “It’s a collection of guys we have, but it’s also a mindset,” he said. “Mookie’s a very good hitter. Freddie’s as good as they come in driving runs in. Max Muncy, I think, has become a much better hitter recently. You’re starting to see more base hits and better efficiency.”
Ohtani’s Recovery and Remarkable Production
The manager didn’t hold back his admiration for Shohei Ohtani’s performance while working his way back from major shoulder surgery. “I do marvel quite often,” Roberts said. “When I take a step back, it’s pretty astounding. You have to remind yourself he had shoulder surgery.”
Despite the potential impact of the surgery on Ohtani’s power, Roberts pointed out, “He’s only got 17 home runs,” with a chuckle. “He worked really hard this offseason. He’s having a tremendous season.”
Roberts also shared his observations on Ohtani’s ramp-up. “He wasn’t the same Shohei in spring training. But once we got back to the States after Japan, I thought he really let it go and felt completely strong.”
The Dodgers are still navigating Ohtani’s return to the mound. While he won’t undergo the typical five-start rehab assignment, simulated games and live batting practice will stand in for traditional prep. “There’s no one blueprint,” Roberts admitted. “It’s going to be kind of simulated games, but I don’t even really know what that looks like. It’s early.”
Asked what he’s looking for in Ohtani’s next session, Roberts kept it simple: “Command. I just want him to get through it healthy and be willing to get to the next step.”
Bullpen Standouts: Kopech and Casparius
Michael Kopech is progressing well in his own rehab journey. “He had a good one the other day. He’s pitching again tomorrow. I think there’s still a couple more outings before we see him.”
Another bullpen arm drawing praise is right-hander Ben Casparius. “He’s pitched really well in various leverage roles,” said Roberts. “There hasn’t been a drop-off in his stuff. He’s mentally handled whatever we’ve thrown at him.” Roberts especially values Casparius’ hybrid role. “He’s not a length guy per se, but when we need three innings of leverage, he can do that too. Those guys are hard to find.”
Dalton Rushing Making an Impression
With Dalton Rushing recently called up, Roberts was enthusiastic about the young catcher’s growth. “He’s a baseball rat. A guy that wants to learn. He respects what guys have done in the game,” Roberts said. “I love him in the box. He’s very confident. He controls the hitting zone. He’s going to be a good one for a long time.”
Rushing is likely to hit against Shohei Ohtani in Sunday’s session, though Roberts left open the possibility for other hitters, saying “Rushing is involved… I’m not sure who else.”
Mookie Betts Embracing the Shortstop Challenge
Finally, Roberts had high praise for Mookie Betts’ continued transition to shortstop. “He looks like a major league shortstop right now. Last year, there were many times I didn’t feel that way,” he said. “It’s confidence. He’s had a lot of different plays in games and keeps getting better each night.”
As the Dodgers continue to push through injuries and manage their rotation, the team’s depth, adaptability, and star power—on both sides of the ball—remain key to their success.
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