Steve Webb
NEW YORK, NY — Dave Roberts is having a hell of a postseason. There have been a couple of odd moves, but overall, he’s been great with limited resources. After the Dodgers’ 10-2 win over the Mets in Game 3 of the NLCS on Thursday evening, Roberts talked to the media about what make this version of the Dodgers different than previous incarnations of the team.
When asked about the team’s ability to overcome injuries, including the absence of All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, Roberts said, “I don’t know the answer. I think part of it is we’ve dealt with it all year with very key contributors.” He praised the culture in the clubhouse, describing it as “very welcoming to new players, whether by way of trade, waiver wire pickups, or young players that get called up from the system.” This adaptability has been a consistent theme throughout the season. “It’s a very focused group, tough group,” Roberts continued, “and it’s something that I feel proud that we can hang our hat on. There’s never been any excuse all year for our club.”
Even without Freeman, Roberts made it clear that the Dodgers were still aiming high. “We were expecting to win this game tonight,” he stated, reflecting the team’s mindset of not letting any setbacks become roadblocks.
Regarding the team’s dominance in the last two games, which saw them outscore the Mets 19-4, Roberts said, “We still have a lot of work to do. We got to win one more game this series.” He emphasized the need to stay aggressive, noting, “I love the way that our guys haven’t let off the gas.” Despite the lopsided scores, Roberts pointed out, “If you watch the games, [the score] doesn’t tell the story,” highlighting the importance of adding insurance runs and keeping the pressure on.
One of the key storylines from Game 4 was Mookie Betts’ response to the Mets’ decision to walk Shohei Ohtani multiple times, including intentionally. Betts responded with three hits, showing his competitive edge. “I think he took it the same way Vientos took it—personal,” Roberts said. “That’s okay. He understands whether it’s a manager putting four fingers up or throwing intentional balls two feet outside, you’re going to go after the next guy. I think Mookie takes it personal like all competitors should, and that lights a little fire under him.”
Looking ahead to Game 5, Roberts confirmed that Jack Flaherty would be the starter, explaining, “We were still kind of deliberating, but after tonight, just talking to the pitching guys, the front office, and Jack most importantly, we just felt that tomorrow’s the day.” The choice reflects the team’s desire to close out the series with a sense of urgency. “There’s a sense of urgency to win this game tomorrow,” Roberts noted.
The bullpen’s performance was also a significant factor in the Game 4 win, with Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen playing pivotal roles. “They did a great job,” Roberts said. “Obviously, Evan—there was some traffic there, some stress, certainly getting out of that fifth inning was huge. That part of the order, I felt, was a time to deploy him.” Treinen, too, was crucial in keeping the Mets at bay. “To kind of go back out there created some stress, but for [Phillips] to get the two outs with the bases loaded, for me, I just felt that at that point in time… that’s a pivotal part in the game.” He praised the bullpen culture, where “they just pick each other up, regardless of when they get the baseball. They’re ready when called upon, which is huge.”
Reflecting on the season’s difficulties, Roberts admitted, “It’s been a challenging year for myself and for the guys in the room.” But this has only fueled the team’s drive, as they’ve embraced an “us against the world” mentality. “I sort of like the us against the world attitude that our guys have taken on. I think that’s kind of ironic, you know, with the Dodgers,” he said with a chuckle. Though the Dodgers are often viewed as favorites, Roberts appreciates the edge that comes from playing with a chip on their shoulder.
Roberts also addressed the team’s patient approach at the plate, which has been a major factor in their success. The Dodgers have drawn 32 walks over the first four games of the series, with Max Muncy leading the way. “I was just made aware that he set a postseason record with consecutive times on base,” Roberts shared. “Given all the stuff and how you’re seeing different arms and the velocity, the spin is so good and late, it’s remarkable.”
As the Dodgers prepare for Game 5, Roberts emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum. “We don’t want to give these guys any momentum,” he said about the Mets. “We feel good; we got some momentum, and we got to continue to come out with some intent tomorrow.” The manager’s message to his players is clear: keep pushing forward, stay focused, and don’t let the Mets back into the series.
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