Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided insights into the team’s mindset and strategies before Game 2 of the World Series, focusing on pitching decisions, player health, and the team’s overall approach. He began by discussing starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto‘s readiness for his first World Series appearance. “I think the thing that excites me is his temperament, poise, and the ability to control his emotions while making pitches,” Roberts said. He expressed confidence in Yamamoto’s composure under pressure, noting that he will be ready for the big stage.
Roberts reflected on the thrilling Game 1 victory. When asked if he rewatched the game highlights, he admitted, “I did. My son set up a replay for us, and we watched the quick highlights. It was pretty spectacular.” Despite the excitement, Roberts emphasized the importance of moving forward. “We celebrated the heck out of last night, but today it’s a new day, and the guys are back to work,” he said. He acknowledged that the momentum from the previous game could carry into Game 2 but stressed that the team remains focused on the task ahead.
Addressing the pitching strategy, Roberts confirmed that Walker Buehler will start Game 3, explaining that Buehler’s ability to perform in big games influenced the decision. “The road isn’t going to phase him, and it also allows him potentially to be available for a Game 7,” he noted. The choice reflects the team’s confidence in Buehler’s ability to handle high-pressure situations, especially on the road.
Roberts also talked about the challenges of managing Blake Treinen‘s performance, particularly in the ninth inning of Game 1. The decision to walk Juan Soto was a calculated risk. “It was certainly a pick-your-poison situation,” he said, explaining that Treinen’s matchup against Soto was less favorable than against other hitters in the lineup. “It never feels good to walk to get to Judge,” Roberts added, but he felt it was necessary given the circumstances.
The manager also touched on a critical moment when Gavin Lux slipped rounding third base. Lux was ultimately fine, but Roberts chose to replace him with Chris Taylor. “I just felt that, after taking his at-bat, I needed to make sure Gavin gets to the next day feeling good,” he said. With Taylor’s ability to steal bases, Roberts believed he had a better candidate for a potential aggressive play.
Relievers Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia received praise for their contributions in Game 1. “What they bring is experience. They’re both neutral guys, which gives a different look,” Roberts explained. He highlighted Graterol’s “hard cutter and boring sinker” and Vesia’s knack for filling up the strike zone. Their versatility makes them valuable assets for the team, especially given the absence of top closer Evan Phillips.
Freddie Freeman‘s performance in the postseason has been a storyline to watch, particularly as he deals with lingering injuries. Roberts acknowledged Freeman’s resilience: “There was still a lot that he incurred last night, some soreness today, but we’re in a better spot than during the Division Series,” he said. Freeman’s ability to play through pain has been crucial, and Roberts is hopeful that an off-day will allow him to recover further.
When asked about the team’s success against left-handed pitching this season, Roberts credited the roster composition. “The guys we put on the roster are supposed to hit lefties, and they’ve performed,” he said. Players like Will Smith, Teoscar Hernández, and Tommy Pham have been instrumental, and even left-handed hitters like Freeman and Shohei Ohtani have held their own. “We line up well on paper, but we know it’s not about that. We still have to execute,” he added.
Roberts also reflected on some of the great games he has been part of, including the iconic 2004 ALCS and the previous night’s World Series game. “It’s different from two different vantage points – one being a player and one being a manager,” he said. When comparing the two, he gave a slight nod to the recent victory: “This one is probably right up there. I might give it a little nod.”
He ended the session with a light-hearted story about his nickname, “Doc,” which originated from his time in the minor leagues. “It came from a guy named Mack White, a South Carolina Gamecock,” Roberts recalled, revealing that he might have self-proclaimed himself “the hit doctor.”
Roberts confirmed the lineup adjustments for Game 2, with Kiké Hernández starting at second base and Miguel Rojas returning at shortstop. “Kiké is at second, Tommy will be in the lineup, and Miggy will be at short,” he said, signaling a continuation of the Dodgers’ strategic approach to keep players fresh while capitalizing on favorable matchups.
With Game 2 approaching, the Dodgers aim to maintain their focus and carry the momentum from the thrilling Game 1 victory, knowing that each new day in the World Series presents a unique challenge.
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