Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — In a pregame interview ahead of the Dodgers’ NLCS Game 1 against the Mets, Dave Roberts covered a range of topics, from starting pitcher Jack Flaherty’s preparation to the team’s roster decisions and the challenges faced during the season. Roberts provided insight into the team’s mindset and strategy, while fielding questions from multiple reporters.
Roberts was asked about Flaherty’s performance in Game 2 of the Division Series and what adjustments he hoped to see in the upcoming matchup against the Mets. “You know, I thought there were a lot of good things from Jack last series,” Roberts said. “The command was better. I think more of the same is what we’re looking for. We want him to take down some more hitters, compete, and mix his sequencing. He’ll use his fastball when he needs to, keep them honest, and navigate the lineup. I just feel he’s built for moments like this. His pulse, the stuff—yeah, I really feel a good one out of Jack tonight.”
As to the challenge of turning around so quickly after the high of the NLDS win, Roberts admitted that there was a balance between sleep and preparation. “Certainly a combo,” Roberts responded. “You relish the idea of not sleeping a whole bunch because you have an opportunity to continue to play on. I’m fortunate that I’ve got a great group of people around me on the pitching, run prevention, hitting side, and the front office. Everyone’s grinding to make sure we’re on the same page. But I do make sure I get my rest.”
When the Times’ beat writer Jack Harris compared this scenario to 2021, when the Dodgers had to transition quickly from a series with the Giants to one with the Braves, Roberts acknowledged the similarities but stressed a different approach this time. “We learned from past experiences,” he said. “You can’t let down your guard or get off the gas. It was exhausting back in ’21. I don’t really know where our head space was at, but we’ve got to push on and keep the momentum. Play with that same urgency and not get caught up in thinking it’s a seven-game series.”
Reporters then questioned the pitching strategy, noting Walker Buehler‘s absence from the stadium and suggesting a bullpen game for Game 2. “That’s a possibility,” Roberts admitted. “We’re just trying to figure out the best way to win tonight. After tonight, it will open things up for Game 2 and Game 3. If tonight ends up being an exhaustive bullpen game, then that could change things. But if it goes as expected, maybe your thought becomes reality.”
Regarding roster decisions, Roberts explained the choice to leave Alex Vesia out. “It was pretty easy,” he said. “We didn’t feel it was a possibility for him to pitch this series. If we’re fortunate enough to get to the World Series, he’s in play.” Miguel Rojas’s exclusion was a more difficult decision. “He’s a huge part of our club, but physically, he’s a bit more compromised right now,” Roberts stated. “We felt a few more days and another week would get Miggy back to being who he is.”
When asked about Shohei Ohtani‘s contribution during his first postseason with the Dodgers. “He’s brought another level of excitement for everyone in sports, particularly in baseball,” Roberts said. “The Padres did a nice job containing him, but I still think he’s the best player on the field at any time. If he gets back into the hitting zone, it bodes really well for us.”
Roberts also addressed questions about Freddie Freeman’s status following an ankle injury. “I just saw him briefly; he had a smile on his face,” Roberts noted. “It’s better than yesterday, better than a few days ago. Our expectation is he starts and finishes the game. But if we have to defensively replace him, we will.”
As to concerns about the potential complications with lineup decisions, given the mix of left- and right-handed starters, Doc was confident he had the tools to win. “The lineup is constructed in a way that we can protect guys and make those guys pay a tax to get to certain others,” Roberts explained. “It’s all predicated on how far our starter goes.”
Addressing the challenge of managing injuries and integrating young players, Roberts admitted, “It’s been my most challenging season. With the injuries and introducing a lot of young players in critical roles, you’re often in a position where you just have to trust and run guys out there. It speaks to the players we have; they’ve bought into each other.”
In response to a question about bullpen management during elimination games, Roberts elaborated on his approach. “It’s a combination of things,” he said. “You have a number of guys you want to use and try to figure out where they fit best. But you have to adjust and sometimes see if a guy can get through a situation to get to the next.”
The interview concluded with Roberts reflecting on the season’s roster challenges, including how unexpected contributions have helped the team. “We’ve tapped into our depth,” he acknowledged. “Thankfully, the front office has helped plan for the unforeseen. Getting players like Teoscar Hernandez and then Tommy Edman at the deadline has been instrumental.”
