Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for a do-or-die Game 5 in the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, all eyes are on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who will be taking the mound in what could be the most important game of his MLB career. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, in a pregame interview, expressed his confidence in Yamamoto’s ability to deliver in this high-pressure situation, acknowledging the stakes of the winner-takes-all scenario while carefully laying out his strategy for the game.
Roberts began by stressing the significance of Yamamoto’s first inning, saying it would set the tone for the game. “It’s an important inning. Both offenses like to strike first; setting the tone by putting up a zero would be huge,” Roberts said, highlighting the need for Yamamoto to hold the Padres scoreless early on. By starting strong, Yamamoto can settle into the game, giving the Dodgers’ offense a chance to establish their rhythm. Roberts added, “It also just kind of gets us into the game, gets us up to hitting, and also just kind of seeing where he’s at emotionally and with his stuff.”
Yamamoto, who is making his second start of the series, is being relied upon to rise to the occasion. Roberts showed no hesitation in his decision to hand the ball to the Japanese right-hander, emphasizing the fact that Yamamoto was on regular rest. “He’s here to be a top-end starter, and this is his time,” Roberts stated, confidently affirming that Yamamoto has been prepared for such a moment since joining the team.
When asked about the potential use of the bullpen behind Yamamoto, Roberts indicated that his approach would be flexible. While Jack Flaherty remains an option, Roberts made it clear that he trusts the relievers who have been in the bullpen all year. “The guys that have been in the bullpen all year are just as capable, if not more than capable, than what Jack could do,” Roberts explained, noting that he would be closely monitoring Yamamoto’s performance and adjusting accordingly.
One of the key challenges for Yamamoto throughout the season has been getting through the first inning unscathed, a point raised by reporters. Roberts admitted that the first inning is often the toughest for any starting pitcher, not just Yamamoto. “I think every starting pitcher would say that the first inning is the toughest inning,” Roberts said, explaining that hitters are trying to make an early impact while pitchers are still finding their rhythm. Roberts offered some insight into the mindset he hoped Yamamoto would adopt: “It’s not a 100-pitch exercise. Just go out there and rip it from pitch one.”
The Dodgers have shown resilience throughout this postseason, and Roberts believes this team has a unique determination to succeed. Reflecting on the team’s mentality, Roberts said, “There’s a relentlessness, a refusal to lose, and I’ve seen that from our guys this year. I believe in this team more than any team I’ve had.” His confidence in the group was evident, and he reiterated that every player on the roster shares the belief that they can win. “I expect to win this game tonight, and I know every single guy in there does too.”
As for Yamamoto, Roberts will be looking for a few key indicators to determine whether the pitcher is on top of his game. “It’s the curveball, it’s the split versus right versus left, it’s the slider, it’s the fastball command,” Roberts explained, outlining the areas of Yamamoto’s repertoire that will be crucial in handling the Padres’ potent lineup. If Yamamoto can command these pitches effectively, Roberts is optimistic about the Dodgers’ chances.
One of the storylines heading into the game has been Blake Treinen’s resurgence in the bullpen, which has added another layer of depth to the Dodgers’ pitching options. “It’s huge,” Roberts said, referring to Treinen’s dominance over the last several weeks. “To have him back to being dominant like he is has certainly made everyone else around him better.”
While the focus is on Yamamoto and the pitching staff, Roberts also made some noteworthy lineup decisions, including starting Kiké Hernández in center field. Roberts noted that he trusts Hernández’s versatility and wanted to ensure he was in the lineup, especially given Miguel Rojas’ limited mobility.
Ultimately, Roberts acknowledged the weight of the moment, noting that he has managed more win-or-go-home games than any other manager in MLB history. When asked how he approaches these critical games, Roberts spoke candidly about understanding the mindset of his players and making sure no one is afraid to fail. “You just kind of feel if guys are afraid to fail,” Roberts said, adding, “There’s not always tomorrow, like we always say in baseball.”
As Yamamoto prepares to take the mound, the Dodgers’ season hangs in the balance. With Roberts’ confidence in his starter and the bullpen behind him, the Dodgers will be looking to punch their ticket to the next round. For Roberts and his team, the message is clear: they expect to win, and they’re ready to give everything they’ve got.
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