Dodgers News: Dodgers Finding a Winning Formula in Day Games Thanks to Bench Depth and Fresh Energy
LOS ANGELES — With a 16–9 record in day games so far this season, the Dodgers have quietly become one of the best teams in baseball when the sun is out. While most might chalk up daytime success to coincidence or favorable matchups, manager Dave Roberts believes the team’s strategy on getaway days plays a major role.
Roberts was asked before Sunday’s series finale against the Astros if there was anything behind the Dodgers’ strong play in afternoon games. While he didn’t pinpoint one specific factor, he did point to a pattern that’s worked well.
“I think if I had one thing to think about, I like getting guys that typically don’t play regularly playing day games,” Roberts said. “And I think that infusion of energy kind of gets you through the day.”
That energy has translated into consistent results. Whether it’s a quick turnaround after a night game or a travel day ahead, Roberts often uses day games to rotate in players from the bench who are hungry for at-bats and ready to make an impact.
“If you look at the lineup today, we have a lot of guys that aren’t in there regularly,” he said. “Hopefully that formula works.”
For Roberts, these games are more than just a rest opportunity for the regulars—they’re a chance to spark the club with players eager to contribute. That edge matters, especially in games that can sometimes feel sluggish for teams playing on short rest.
“There’s a hunger, that they want to throw themselves in,” Roberts said. “That they’re in a ballgame.”
And it’s paid off. The Dodgers have found success mixing in role players like Hyeseong Kim, Miguel Rojas, and others during day games. It’s not just giving stars like Mookie Betts or Teoscar Hernandez a breather—it’s about building a sustainable team over 162 games, using the full roster, and keeping everyone engaged and game-ready at all times.
As the season rolls on and the Dodgers continue managing injuries and workloads, Roberts’ day-game formula has become a quiet strength. It’s another example of how depth and preparation can win baseball games—even when the stands are still filling up and the sun hasn’t reached its peak.
So while there may not be a magic trick to their daytime success, there’s clearly a method. And right now, that method is working.
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
