Dodgers Interview: Roberts acknowledges struggles at the top of the lineup
“We just have to play a good, clean offensive game.”
LOS ANGELES — Following a frustrating 7–3 loss to the Nationals on Saturday night, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts met with reporters to reflect on a game that slipped away behind a barrage of home runs and a quiet night from the top of the lineup. Despite strong individual performances from Andy Pages and Will Smith, Roberts acknowledged that the lack of production from the team’s stars—particularly Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts—continues to be a concern.
“They feel it, obviously,” Roberts said of his top hitters. “With their track record, their talent, they feel a responsibility to get things going. But when you have nine guys in a lineup, it’s not just on them.”
Still, Roberts didn’t downplay the current struggles of his veterans, calling them “grinding right now, trying to figure out some things with their swings.” He noted that others, like Pages and Max Muncy, have stepped up, but emphasized the need for a more complete team effort. “It’s all of us collectively trying to put things together,” he said.
Roberts remained optimistic about the homestand overall, saying, “It’s been a really good homestand. We can make it a great one by winning the series tomorrow.” With an off day looming before a road trip, he’s focused on finishing strong. “In totality, we’ve just got to put together a good offensive game tomorrow.”
Despite the loss, Roberts had praise for starter Dustin May, who went six innings and allowed three solo home runs while striking out five. “I thought it was a really good outing,” Roberts said. “He managed a couple stressful innings and gave us a chance to win. I’ve got no complaints.”
Roberts highlighted May’s improved efficiency and command, especially compared to earlier starts. “The quality of pitches, the strike-throwing—everything was really good,” he said. “I think he’s trending in the right direction.”
Asked about the recent struggles of Freeman, Roberts reiterated what the veteran first baseman said himself postgame: that nothing has quite clicked since spring training. “Freddie’s going to be as honest as they come,” Roberts said. “He just hasn’t found something that makes him feel like himself. But that’s not going to stop him from working.”
As for the five home runs allowed by Dodgers pitchers, Roberts said it was a mix of poor execution and conditions. “The Wood ball, the García ball—those weren’t well-executed pitches,” he explained. “And as it starts to get warmer here, the ball does fly.”
Roberts also discussed James Wood, who tormented Dodgers pitching again with a 451-foot blast to center. “He’s obviously talented, big power, looks over the baseball really well,” Roberts said. “We’ve made some mistakes to him, and he’s made us pay. You have to slow him down, get him off the fastball, try not to let him beat you.”
Looking ahead, Roberts was cautious when asked about Shohei Ohtani’s pitching workload for Sunday. “He’s starting, and depending on the efficiency, it could be one [inning], maybe touch the second,” he said. “I’m going to leave it open-ended for now.”
As the Dodgers look to salvage the series on Sunday, the message from their manager is clear: time to turn the page and put together a complete effort.
“We just have to play a good, clean offensive game,” Roberts said. “That’s what it’s going to take.”
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