Steve Webb
SAN DIEGO, CA — It’s been quite the 24 hours for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, as he found himself at the eye of a social media firestorm in what we’re just going to go ahead and call “Manny-gate.” However, the usually affable skipper struck a more positive note in his pregame comments with the media before Game 3 in San Diego. Doc focused on the need for a clear game plan and the readiness of first baseman Freddie Freeman. In spite of his injury, Freeman is penciled in the lineup card for Tuesday’s game, a tribute to his toughness, according to Roberts.
Roberts noted that the team must “be on the attack” when facing Michael King, who has arguably been the Padres best hurler this year (13-9, 2.95 ERA, 201 SO). The key, according to the Dodgers’ manager was to go after “hittable pitches.” Roberts explained, “Michael’s obviously had a heck of a year… I think for us is just be on the attack I think he’s a guy that tries to attack you; he’s a strike thrower and then he hunts for the the strikeout and so I think for us (the key) is just to be ready to fire early when the ball’s in the hitting zone.”
When asked about the Padres’ intensity and how his team could match it, Roberts commented that it was much better to play disciplined baseball than to articificially hype up the emotion in the dugout. “You can’t manufacture it. I think the most important thing is playing good baseball: pitching well, playing defense, running the bases, and getting timely hits,” Roberts remarked. He reiterated that these fundamentals were central to winning postseason games.
Roberts also addressed concerns about Freeman’s injury, confirming that the star player was getting treatment but hadn’t done much physically the previous day, taking a mental break instead. As for Freeman’s availability, Roberts shared, “He’s doing everything he can to post… unless I hear otherwise, he’ll be in there.”
Another topic of discussion was how to handle the atmosphere at Petco Park, known for being electric during the playoffs. Roberts acknowledged the intense energy in San Diego but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to remain composed. He recalled that two years ago, the environment caught the Dodgers off guard, but he believes they are better prepared now. “This time around, I think we’re much more equipped to handle it,” he said.
On the Padres’ emotional approach, Doc agreed with Max Muncy’s take on the Padres’ hijinks. “It’s about playing good baseball,” Roberts stated, stressing that discipline would trump any psychological gamesmanship the Padres might try to employ.
Freddie Freeman’s situation was another hot topic, as he had been battling injury issues throughout the series. Roberts noted that while Freeman is fighting through pain, the team doctors would make the final call if his condition worsens. When asked about the role of pain management in Freeman’s case, Roberts revealed that Freeman was using pain relief methods, including medication, but noted that if Freeman couldn’t go, the decision to rest him would be straightforward: “If he can’t go, and the trainer is telling me he shouldn’t, it’s an easy one for me.”
Roberts also addressed the news about Michael Grove, who was made inactive for the rest of the series due to a shoulder issue. “The recovery hasn’t been good. We’ll do a scan, but for now, he’s out,” Roberts said, adding that Ben Kirious would be activated in Grove’s place.
Looking ahead, Roberts kept his focus on the task at hand: getting a win in Game 3 and letting the results dictate future decisions. When asked how much tonight’s game might influence the pitching plan for the following day, Roberts replied, “Everyone’s available tonight, and we’ll see how it goes to figure out tomorrow.”
The atmosphere in the clubhouse seemed confident despite the challenges. Roberts stressed the importance of keeping emotions in check while still playing with passion and intensity. “I think emotionally, we’re in as good a spot as I’ve seen us,” he shared, giving credit to his team’s ability to stay mentally tough throughout the postseason.
Roberts wrapped up the media session by addressing a wide range of topics, from Manny Machado‘s impact to Fernando Valenzuela‘s health, but the underlying message was clear: the Dodgers are focused, disciplined, and ready to face the intensity of postseason baseball.
With Game 3 looming, the Dodgers’ manager and players are united in their approach—stick to their game, play fundamentally sound baseball, and don’t get caught up in distractions. It’s a formula Roberts believes will lead to success against the Padres, especially in the pressure-packed environment of San Diego.
