Dodgers Interview: Doc shares big Shohei news, talks about upcoming gauntlet of games
QUEENS, NY — As rain hovered over New York City Friday afternoon, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts met with reporters ahead of a high-stakes road trip opener against the Mets—a game that kicks off a grueling 26-game stretch against teams with winning records, including 10 games in 14 days against the Mets and Yankees.
“This stretch could be defining,” Roberts admitted. “But you’ve got to focus on each day. We’ve done a good job of that, and we need to keep doing it.” The Dodgers are entering this stretch with a banged-up pitching staff and high expectations. If they come out strong, it could cement their control of the NL West and solidify their playoff path. If not, the second half of the season could bring added pressure.
Pitching Staff Will Be Tested—And Stretched
Roberts didn’t sugarcoat the challenge ahead. “We’re going to be forced to play really good baseball or consistently well to win more than we lose,” he said, noting there’s “not a lot of reprieve” in the schedule following the last off day.
The key, according to Roberts, is tightening up on the pitching side. “We’ve been working behind hitters too often, not being efficient with our pitches, and giving up more slug than we’re used to,” he said. “We’ve got to be more buttoned up.”
Part of that means leaning harder on the starting rotation. While Clayton Kershaw remains on a cautious buildup following his return from injury—“I’d expect better fastball command and more swing and miss with the slider tonight,” Roberts said—other arms will be asked to go deeper into games than they have early in the season.
“I think we’re ready for that,” Roberts said. “With the exception of Clayton, we’re going to be pushing these guys a little more.”
Ohtani Set to Face Hitters: A New Phase Begins
The update many fans have been waiting for: Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to face live hitters on Saturday, marking a major step in his return to pitching.
“It’s progress in progress,” Roberts said. “We don’t know exactly how the next few months are going to go, but it’s moving in the right direction.”
The two-way superstar has been progressing quietly but steadily. Roberts said Ohtani’s velocity in bullpens has looked strong—“easy 94, 95 coming out of his hand”—but added that the more important evaluation will come when he’s throwing against live hitters.
When asked if increased pitching activity could affect Ohtani’s bat, especially after an 0-for-6 night followed a 50-pitch bullpen, Roberts said, “It’s certainly possible,” but made it clear that Ohtani’s workload would be monitored daily. “If he’s taxed on a particular Saturday, maybe he doesn’t play,” Roberts said. “We should be open to anything.”
Tyler Glasnow Update and a Nod to Resilience
Tyler Glasnow threw a bullpen session Friday in Los Angeles—either 16 or 19 pitches, by Roberts’ count—and reported feeling good. The team will monitor his progress closely, but Roberts said there’s no word yet on his return timeline.
As for the rest of the injury-riddled pitching staff, Roberts kept a steady tone, choosing optimism over complaint.
“I don’t think talking about it helps the mindset,” he said of the rotating cast of arms on the roster. “There are guys I didn’t expect to be on the team right now, but I’m throwing them out there in leverage and giving them an opportunity.”
Roberts pointed to the 2024 postseason run as proof the Dodgers can manage through adversity. “We did it last year—we’re going to do it again this year,” he said. “Honestly, we bettered last year.”
Mindset is Everything
In the end, Roberts returned to a familiar refrain: focus on what’s right in front of you.
“After this conversation, I’m not going to worry about the 26 games,” he said. “We’re worried about tonight—and whenever we start this game—and then we’ll pick up the pieces and do it the next day.”
With a rain delay looming and a difficult East Coast swing ahead, Roberts’ calm demeanor and confidence in his team’s depth will be tested. But if the Dodgers can emerge from this stretch stronger, they’ll be better prepared than ever for the months that follow.
Stay tuned, Dodger faithful—it’s about to get interesting.
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!
