Dodgers Interview: Doc updates media on pitchers’ progress
"I think Yoshi’s going to be really good tonight."
LOS ANGELES — As the Dodgers try to snap a frustrating four-game losing streak Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic — and grateful. Not only is ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound to stop the skid against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but it’s also Mexican Heritage Night, a celebration deeply tied to the identity of the team and its fans.
“We’re still a good ballclub and we’re going to get healthy and we’re going to be okay,” Roberts said pregame, acknowledging the recent struggles without sounding alarm bells. “Rome didn’t burn.”
Yamamoto Set to Be the Stopper
Yamamoto, who dazzled last month with a string of dominant outings, has looked more human in his last two starts — but Roberts isn’t concerned.
“He’s not far off,” Roberts said. “Honestly, it’s been two starts where the bar for him is at a certain level, and so even when he’s been fine, it’s felt below expectations. But that’s a compliment to him and his ability. I think Yoshi’s going to be really good tonight.”
A scoreless first inning from Yamamoto would be a welcome change for the Dodgers, who have found themselves in early deficits far too often lately.
“It’ll be helpful to start out with a zero in the top half,” Roberts said. “It’s frustrating. It wears on the hitters and the pitchers alike.”
Trusting the Process with Michael Conforto
Roberts also addressed Michael Conforto’s recent lack of results at the plate — despite consistent hard contact.
“He’s being tested right now,” Roberts said. “He’s swung the bat better the last few days and hasn’t gotten the results. I think some of it is just bad luck, but some of it is bat path related. You take a good swing with a good bat path on a good pitch, you’re going to get hits. That’s the game.”
Roberts praised Conforto for staying focused amid the struggles: “He’s not running from it. That’s not always easy when you’re struggling.”
To give Conforto a mental and physical reset, Roberts plans to give him a breather.
“I’m going to have him down tomorrow. It’s going to be eight in a row. I want to give him two days to get ready for the Mets,” he said.
Managing the Lineup — With a Long View
The Dodgers will be without both Teoscar Hernández and Tommy Edman in Tuesday’s lineup, a decision Roberts said was about keeping players fresh.
“I was kind of thinking for sure I wanted to give Tommy today off to not go four in a row,” Roberts said. “With Teo, I just felt like with [Corbin] Burnes tomorrow, we needed him in there. I just couldn’t guarantee that he could go three in a row.”
Roberts added that the team isn’t playing the “short game” when it comes to health. “We’re trying to get through this off day with those guys feeling good.”
On the Losing Streak: “They Feel Longer Than They Are”
While four straight losses isn’t the end of the world, it doesn’t sit well in a clubhouse accustomed to winning.
“When you have the success we do, your four-game losing streaks feel like a lot longer than just four games,” Roberts admitted. “But I still like how we’re going about things.”
Still, the recent games haven’t even been the gut-punch, walk-off type.
“It doesn’t feel good to play from behind,” he said. “I would argue that losing late probably feels worse — which we haven’t really given ourselves a chance to do.”
Update on Ohtani, Snell, and Glasnow
Shohei Ohtani continues to make progress in his throwing program, according to Roberts. Ohtani was seen working on his slider, though there’s still no set date for when he’ll throw in a live session.
“It is progressing,” Roberts said. “I’m just waiting for the green light from the people managing his rehab.”
Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are also working their way back. Glasnow appears to be the closest, with a bullpen session potentially coming in three days.
“He’s going to throw off the mound today,” Roberts said. “Not a full bullpen, just getting back on the slope. But if we’re sitting here Tuesday, then three days later, it looks like a normal bullpen.”
As for who’s closest to returning?
“Tyler will be the first one coming back,” Roberts said with confidence.
Celebrating Mexican Heritage Night
Roberts finished his media session on a high note, reflecting on the significance of Mexican Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium, quoting the late Vin Scully in the process: “If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky.”
“The Mexican fan base is a big part of our identity and has been for decades,” Roberts said. “Very knowledgeable, very passionate. Obviously, we think of Fernando [Valenzuela]… there’ve been some great Dodgers of Mexican heritage. There’s a lot of pride there.”
And for fans in the pavilion?
“I think about that pavilion and a lot of micheladas tonight that are going to be sold,” Roberts joked. “But just a lot of pride in who they are… we’re very grateful, and that’s part of what makes the Dodgers so fantastic.”
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Tonight’s storyline is clear: Yamamoto is on the mound, the Dodgers are looking to flip the narrative, and the fans are ready to bring the energy — especially those celebrating their heritage in Dodger Blue.
Now it’s time to stop the skid.
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