Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Before Tuesday’s series opener against the San Diego Padres, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the media, offering insights into the team’s preparation, player updates, and overall strategy as they inch closer to postseason play. This crucial three-game series not only serves as a late-season test but also provides an opportunity for the Dodgers to solidify their standing in the National League West. Roberts’ comments underscored the heightened intensity surrounding the matchup, the team’s pitching staff, and a debut for an exciting new prospect.
Major League Debut for a “Secret Weapon”
Roberts confirmed that a young pitcher, Edgardo Henriquez, referred to as a “secret weapon” by reporters, was set to make his major league debut against the Padres. Although the player was not named in the transcript, Roberts was clear about his excitement for the debut: “He’s certainly a weapon… He’s secret in a sense; I don’t think anyone knows him outside of our organization, as far as the major leagues.”
The comparison to former Angels pitcher Francisco Rodriguez (K-Rod), who had a major impact as a rookie during the 2002 playoffs, came up in the discussion. While Roberts acknowledged the lofty comparison, he emphasized that it was a different skill set and situation. He remarked, “It’s a very exciting play to get him in here, get him in the big leagues, and see how he looks.”
Roberts highlighted the unpredictability and advantages of bringing in a new arm that major league hitters are unfamiliar with. “There’s a lot of things in the big leagues where the advantage starts to come when…people start to get familiarity with you,” Roberts explained, signaling that a lack of scouting on this new pitcher could work in the Dodgers’ favor.
A Key Pitching Mindset for October
As the regular season draws to a close, Roberts fielded questions about the Dodgers’ pitching rotation heading into the playoffs. He acknowledged the importance of having starters who can go deep into games, particularly in the postseason. “If I could get six from a starter and be in a position to win the game, they would bank it,” Roberts stated, recognizing the value of starters who can carry the load through October.
However, he also acknowledged the evolving nature of baseball strategy, where expecting nine innings from a starter is unrealistic in modern baseball. “That’s just not the way the game is played,” Roberts explained. Instead, Roberts expressed confidence in key pitchers like Jack Flaherty and Walker Buehler, who have shown the ability to provide length, but also noted that building up arms like Yamamoto is still in progress.
Clayton Kershaw’s Status
Clayton Kershaw’s health was a significant topic during the media session. Roberts admitted that Kershaw’s status was in a “holding pattern,” with no significant improvements to report. “I don’t see him facing hitters this week,” Roberts revealed, adding that Kershaw was still playing catch, but something was holding him back from progressing. The longtime Dodgers ace’s availability for the postseason remains uncertain, though Roberts emphasized that Kershaw would do whatever he could to be available whenever needed.
The Importance of the Series Against San Diego
The Padres, a division rival, have had an up-and-down season, but Roberts emphasized that they are playing well of late and that the Dodgers need to be fully locked in. “They’re pitching well, they’re getting big hits…It’s a good team,” Roberts said of the Padres. He added that games against a team trailing them in the standings, like the Padres, are crucial in the final stretch of the regular season: “When you play a team that’s trailing you, it’s like two games.”
Roberts also discussed how this series would resemble postseason baseball in terms of intensity and decision-making. “This is as close as you can get to a playoff game,” Roberts said, highlighting the stakes and the atmosphere expected at the ballpark. The Dodgers’ manager made it clear that the team is not taking the series lightly and will do everything they can to win the division.
A Team Effort Moving Forward
As the regular season winds down, Roberts emphasized that managing the team’s personnel and navigating health concerns is critical. He discussed players like reliever Yency Almonte and utility player Austin Barnes, who are working their way back into the lineup. Barnes, in particular, is expected to be activated as soon as he’s eligible, providing further depth for the Dodgers’ postseason roster.
Looking ahead, Roberts acknowledged that decisions about the roster, including which young players might make the postseason cut, are still being discussed. But, with the series against the Padres on the line and October looming, the Dodgers’ manager is focused on winning the division and carrying momentum into the playoffs.
In conclusion, Roberts’ pregame comments highlighted the team’s strategic focus, excitement around the new pitcher, and the importance of managing health and performance as the Dodgers prepare for what they hope will be another deep postseason run. This series against the Padres may serve as the final test before the intensity of playoff baseball arrives.
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