Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke to the media on Monday prior to Game 3 against the Padres, addressing the team’s mindset after an emotional and extremely disappointing Game 2. The 10-2 loss was NOT the brand of baseball that Dodger fans had come to the stadium hoping to see on Sunday night. Roberts acknowledged the tension that erupted between the two teams but remained optimistic about the team’s ability to refocus for the next game.
“I think, uh, certainly emotional last night,” Roberts began, “we didn’t play a good baseball game. Things certainly transpired on the field, a lot of jawing back and forth.” Despite this, he made clear that the team was looking forward. “It’s good to be able to have a day off, reset, and have a workout here shortly.”
As the Dodgers look ahead to the two games at Petco Park, Roberts expected that the atmosphere would continue to be charged. “There’s going to be a lot of emotions tomorrow,” he said. . “It’s up to us to still stay focused and compete and fight.”
One topic of concern was the Padres’ approach to the series, particularly their embracing of the “villain” role. Roberts remarked, “That team over there… they like the villain-type role and they feed off that.” He stressed that his team needed to rise to the occasion, not letting the Padres’ antics or the hostile environment distract them from their goal of winning.
Dodger Offense and Key Players
Roberts emphasized that in order for the Dodgers to be successful, he needed to see production out of his big dogs at the top of the line up card. “You need your best players to play well. I mean, it’s a pretty simple formula,” he said. He pointed out that Shohei Ohtani had a strong Game 1, but that other key players, especially Mookie Betts also needed to step up. However, he did like what he saw in the first two games form his role players. “Tommy (Edman)’s taking good at-bats. Gavin (Lux)’s taking good at-bats. And Miggy Rojas just kind of understands his role in the nine (hole in the order).”
On Betts specifically, Roberts admitted that the superstar might be feeling the weight of postseason pressure, and of his poor hitting over the last couple of seasons in October. “I could see… the pressure of past performances starting to kind of bleed in, and that’s something that I don’t want to happen,” he explained. Roberts made it clear that Betts didn’t need to overperform but rather just play his usual game. “All we expect from Mookie is to be the same player he is in the regular season.”
Roberts intends to talk with Mookie prior to Game 3. “I’m going to have a little conversation with him, and the fact is that you can’t change the last X amount of postseason games,” he said. “For me, it’s more about going out there and competing your tail off.”
One major concern for the Dodgers was the status of Freddie Freeman, who was dealing with the ankle sprain that forced an early exit from Game 2. “Still sore,” Roberts confirmed when asked about Freeman’s condition. “He’s getting treatment, and I think he’s very grateful for a mental break today.” Freeman had played through some discomfort in Game 1, but just couldn’t finish out Game 2 in that much pain. Roberts indicated that Freeman would be evaluated before the game and, if necessary, could sit out to rest.”If he’s able to play and post, he’ll be in there,” Roberts said, but he suggested the possibility of giving Freeman an extra day off.
Walker Buehler’s Role in Game 2
Roberts expressed confidence in pitcher Walker Buehler, who will be starting Game 3 after an up and down 2024 campaign. Still, Doc sees the fire is still there and Buehler’s desire to win is undiminished. “What makes him the right guy is his past performance in those spots,” Roberts said, referring to Buehler’s success in big games during his tenure as Dodgers manager. “Everyone can say they’re a big-game pitcher and loves that moment, but you aren’t until you’ve done it and had success.”
Roberts highlighted Buehler’s ability to rise to the occasion, noting that his history in pivotal moments made him the ideal choice for this crucial game. “Walker’s had success in some of the biggest games, certainly in my tenure,” he said. Indeed, his 2.94 ERA in 15 postseason starts is not something that a lot of pitchers have on their resume.
Managing Emotions and Rivalry with the Padres
When asked about the Padres’ intensity and whether their Game 2 antics of Tatis, Profar, and Machado might fuel them in Game 3, Roberts was clear that the Dodgers needed to focus on their own response. “It’s our own response,” he said. “For us, individually as a team, we need to find that fuel for ourselves.”
Roberts also downplayed the notion that the Dodgers had intentionally hit Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. in Game 2, a moment that had sparked a lot of back and forth between the two dugouts, culminating in the ugliness (real or manufactured) of the 7th inning. “We’re not trying to hit Tatis with the leadoff as a leadoff hitter in a 3-1 game,” Roberts said, dismissing the idea as nonsensical.
Despite the high emotions of Sunday night, Roberts remained focused on the task ahead: winning Game 3 and keeping the Dodgers in a strong position in the series. “I do expect our guys to come out with that fight that I saw in Game 1,” he concluded.
Indeed, the season may depend on it.
