Dodgers News: Roberts Reacts to Suspension, Names Lehman Temporary Skipper

LOS ANGELES — One night after a benches-clearing altercation brought a dramatic close to a heated Dodgers-Padres series, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the media ahead of serving his one-game suspension. Roberts was suspended and fined by Major League Baseball alongside Padres manager Mike Shildt, with Padres pitcher Robert Suarez handed a three-game suspension for intentionally hitting Shohei Ohtani with a pitch in the ninth inning.

“I support it,” Roberts said of MLB’s decision. “Obviously, I never want to make the game about the managers — it shouldn’t be. It should be about the players and winning. Unfortunately, it got to a point where we became the focus, and that’s not the way it should be.”

Roberts will miss Friday night’s series opener against the Nationals at Dodger Stadium. Bench coach Danny Lehmann will assume managing duties.

While Roberts downplayed any animosity between the two teams moving forward, the underlying frustration was clear following Thursday’s incident. When asked where he would be watching the game, Roberts shrugged, “Haven’t decided that yet… still got about a little under three hours to figure that out.” He added, with a smile, “I might join the broadcast booth.”

As the Dodgers reset for a fresh series, Roberts emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, especially as the team battles through a tough stretch of games and lineup adjustments. Friday’s lineup notably did not include first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has been slumping at the plate.

“No, nothing physical,” Roberts said when asked if Freeman was dealing with any injury. “I think it’s just more the stretch we’re in. Giving him a day, getting some other guys in there. He’s still managing his body, and giving him one day to get through the weekend just seemed like the right decision.”

Roberts acknowledged that Freeman’s recent struggles were mechanical. “When Freddie’s right, there’s the big part of the field — left center, left field. Right now, he’s kind of hooking balls and not squaring them up the way he’d like to. I think that’s more mechanic-driven.”

Still, Roberts noted that conversations about rest have gotten “easier” with Freeman over time, though the veteran still wants to be in the lineup every day.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the Dodgers are expecting contributions from key players returning from injury. “Blake [Treinen] is going to throw a bullpen in the next few days, and Tyler [Glasnow] is going to throw two innings for OKC on Sunday,” Roberts said. “Luis Garcia is getting close too — maybe one more live session or we send him out. It feels good to say we’re starting to get healthy.”

Roberts also had encouraging updates on Ohtani, who was hit in the shoulder Thursday night but still completed his scheduled bullpen session Friday.

“It was scheduled regardless,” Roberts said. “And it was encouraging that he still finished it. He’s online for (opening) Sunday.”

In related news, the Dodgers announced a $1 million donation toward supporting immigrants, a gesture that came in the wake of confusing reports earlier this week about Department of Homeland Security vehicles appearing outside Dodger Stadium. Roberts praised the donation, saying, “I think it’s great. I’m sure the money is going to be allocated in the right way. I’m happy to hear the Dodgers have done that — it’s certainly the right thing to do.”

Asked whether immigration policy was something the clubhouse was actively discussing, Roberts said, “There’s not a lot of intelligence on that part of things. I think the guys are more focused on preparing for each night. But they’re still mindful.”

The return of Clayton Kershaw to the mound Friday night — after his best start of the year — provided another boost to the club’s spirits. Kershaw tossed seven shutout innings in his last outing, his first such effort in two years.

“I think it’s a combo,” Roberts said, attributing the strong performance to both the veteran’s grit and improved mechanics. “He knew we needed some length, so he was going to will himself to that point. That’s just Kersh being Kersh.”

Still, Roberts indicated the Dodgers would remain cautious with Kershaw’s workload. “Given that it was seven innings last time, we’ll be mindful tonight, especially knowing we have a loaded bullpen.”

Roberts also acknowledged the looming milestone for Kershaw, who is closing in on 3,000 career strikeouts. “The main thing is to get hitters out, go deep in games, win. But it’s hard not to appreciate how close he is,” Roberts said. “He doesn’t like making things about him, so I think he wants to get this thing over with as soon as possible.”

With the team entering a stretch that includes a trip to Colorado and a much-needed off-day around the corner, Roberts said the Dodgers’ overall health and pitching depth are trending in the right direction.

“We’re in a good spot,” he said. “We’ve weathered a lot.”

And as Roberts sits out Friday night’s game, he’ll be watching — wherever he ends up — with the same mindset he’s preached all year: keep the focus on the players and on winning.

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