Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — In a press conference ahead of the Dodgers’ highly anticipated NLDS series against the San Diego Padres, Andrew Friedman, the team’s Head of Baseball Operations, shared insight into the club’s readiness and key decisions. One major change revealed was the switch in starting pitchers for the first two games of the NLDS. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound for Game 1 instead of Jack Flaherty, as initially planned.
Friedman explained the reasoning behind this decision, noting, “We switched Yoshi and Jack primarily to have flexibility for Game 5, should we need it. Yoshi hasn’t pitched on regular rest as often, and Jack’s more accustomed to it.” This strategic decision allows the Dodgers more options in managing their bullpen and pitching staff deeper into the series. Makes sense, but it does make one wonder why then was it announced the other way by Brandon Gomes just a couple of days ago. One hopes that there is not something else lying behind this change that the Dodgers are not being forthcoming about.
Another of the main topics of discussion was the health of key players Freddy Freeman and Miguel Rojas, who have been dealing with lingering injuries. Friedman sounded optimistic about both players, particularly Rojas’s recovery, noting, “Miggy looks really good. I think this time off has really helped him. He’s been dealing with it off and on for a couple of weeks, but each day has gotten progressively better.” While acknowledging that Freeman’s injury was a concern, Friedman emphasized that the first baseman was feeling more comfortable, and they were optimistic about his participation in Game 1.
Friedman mentioned Freeman had been “taking swings in the cage” and that his performance would be evaluated based on how he felt after batting practice. While Freddy’s inclusion in the starting lineup for Game 1 wasn’t confirmed during the interview, Friedman reassured, “We’ll learn more day by day.”
When asked about the prospect of facing a division rival like the Padres in the playoffs, Friedman admitted that while it added an element of familiarity, it also brought additional challenges. “It definitely brings on an element of chess,” he explained. “Do you keep sticking to the strengths? Do you switch things up? How are they going to approach it?” Familiarity with the Padres, he said, could either work for or against the team, depending on how the matchups played out.
The conversation also turned to the Dodgers’ offensive struggles in previous postseasons. Friedman didn’t shy away from acknowledging their past underperformance in October. “We’ve gone into the playoffs with really good offensive teams that haven’t hit the fastball,” he remarked. Despite those struggles, Friedman emphasized the team was approaching preparation differently this time around, ensuring their hitters stayed synced and timed up during the days off.
One of the most anticipated topics during the interview was Shohei Ohtani’s postseason debut. Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers this season, will play in his first MLB playoffs after several years with the Angels. Friedman expressed his excitement for the two-way star’s big-stage debut, saying, “I am really excited for our fans and for fans all over the world to get a chance to see this. It’s been the thing he talked about when we met in December—every conversation since has been about October.”
Ohtani’s ability to perform under pressure was also highlighted. “Watching him in the World Baseball Classic, especially in that ninth inning, was something special,” Friedman said. “You just don’t know how someone will handle those moments until you see them. He more than answered those questions.”
With the series against the Padres set to begin, Friedman wrapped up the discussion by underscoring the importance of the bullpen and the lineup’s defensive abilities. “Our bullpen will play a key role,” he stated, emphasizing the depth and variety the Dodgers have in the pen. In addition, he noted the skill of the defense, saying, “We feel like the depth of the lineup, coupled with how skilled of defenders they are, puts us in a really good position.”
As the Dodgers gear up for another postseason run, there’s a strong sense of confidence from Friedman and the front office that the team is in a solid place to succeed.
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