Steve Webb
SAN DIEGO, CA — After the Dodgers’ commanding 8-0 win over the Padres in Game 4 of the NLDS, manager Dave Roberts addressed the media, reflecting on the team’s performance and plans for the series-deciding Game 5 in Los Angeles.
One of the biggest questions centered around the pitching strategy for the final game, given how well the bullpen performed in Game 4. Roberts confirmed that they hadn’t decided on a starter yet, but mentioned a few options: “We can start Jack, we could start Yoshinobu… right now, no Game 5 starter.” The bullpen had been so effective, with eight pitchers keeping the Padres scoreless, that a bullpen game was a serious consideration.
Roberts was asked about whether a bullpen game was favored, given how much the Padres had hit Dodgers’ starters earlier in the series. He admitted, “It’s a good thought,” but emphasized that the team would first evaluate how everyone felt before making the call. “The efficiency, the strike throwing was huge, and again, it just gives us options for Game 5.”
The effectiveness of the bullpen allowed the Dodgers to manage innings efficiently. “Vesia got through the fourth really quick… Phillips, Hudson, threw 9-10 pitches,” Roberts said, appreciating how their efficiency allowed flexibility moving forward. Even though the Dodgers had opened up the game, Roberts chose to use Blake Treinen in the later innings. He explained, “It was the top of the order and when you’re in an elimination game, I wanted to shorten the game.”
Offensively, the Dodgers jumped out to an early lead, something Roberts highlighted as key in their victory. Mookie Betts’ first-inning home run set the tone. Roberts praised Betts’ response to the external pressures: “I always tell the guys the game honors you, and the work that he’s put in, grinding in the cage, certainly paid off.” Hitting first on the road is crucial, and Roberts believed Betts’ home run was a turning point. “For us to get to [the Padres pitcher] early, it gave us momentum… it started with Mookie right there.”
Freddie Freeman’s absence was another key point of discussion, as the star first baseman was sidelined due to overall body soreness. Roberts explained his decision to sit Freeman, saying, “I just don’t feel good about putting a player in there when he’s not at his best because of the name on the back of his jersey.” Freeman’s absence didn’t hurt the Dodgers’ performance, as other players stepped up, but his status for Game 5 remains uncertain.
As Roberts looked ahead to Game 5, he spoke about the fight his team has shown. He acknowledged the difference between the regular season and postseason, calling the playoffs “a street fight.” He expressed pride in his players’ resilience, saying, “For me to see our guys go through what they’ve been through and respond the way they have, really makes me excited about Game 5.”
Roberts’ optimism was clear as he closed his comments, confident in the team’s ability to compete in the decisive game. Whether it’s through a bullpen strategy or starting a traditional pitcher, the Dodgers will look to keep up their momentum from Game 4. The Dodgers’ mindset has been simple: play with fight, take it one game at a time, and rely on every player on the roster to contribute.
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