The Dodgers locked up the NL West crown with an 8-0 shutout of the D-backs on Thursday afternoon. Sure, this season didn’t quite hit the lofty preseason buzz. Remember how some projections had them chasing 120 wins and threatening the Cubs’ record of 116? With 91 wins right now, that dream’s off the table.
But let’s not take the credit where it’s due. Winning a fourth straight division title, and 12 in the last 13 years, is no small feat. And manager Dave Roberts deserves plenty of credit for steering the ship in a city where it’s pretty much World Series or bust. However, according to baseball analyst Steve Phillips, Roberts’ impact goes beyond just keeping the clubhouse in order.
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“I think this might be one of Dave Roberts’s best managing jobs this year to navigate the injuries to the starting rotation to a bullpen that was leaky for a good part of the season.” Phillips shared Roberts’ masterstroke in the latest episode of Baseball News Today.
The Dodgers are one of the few teams that have faced a long list of injuries since Opening Day. However, it was his read-and-react approach that steered the team through challenges. Instances?
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When Mookie Betts had a foot injury in late May, Roberts went ahead with this approach. He relied heavily on Betts’ own feedback, keeping him in the lineup when possible but giving him rest days when needed. And by monitoring his workload and easing him back into action, Roberts ensured Betts could still contribute without risking a long-term setback.
“There is no one who cares more about his players than Roberts, and he has built an incredible culture in the Dodgers clubhouse.” MLB insider Jim Bowden shared why Roberts’ player management is the most productive.
While Phillips is convinced that Roberts’ injury management strategy is the key behind their success, he added that LA’s winning campaign doesn’t end here. Because other teams now need to be more careful than ever before. “But they’re certainly, I think, one of the teams to beat in the National League and in all of baseball moving forward.”
Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki are back, and Shohei Ohtani is back on the mound. So, it’s safe to say that the Dodgers are going to the postseason with full strength. And just what was expected from them on Opening Day, they will be a force to reckon with in October.
Roberts still has some unfinished business with the Dodgers’ bullpen
Dave Roberts is still not done with the team. Their biggest concern is still relevant: The bullpen!
The Dodgers may have locked up their fourth straight division title on Thursday. But Roberts is still catching heat for the way he’s handled the bullpen this season. Their bullpen owns a 4.28 ERA, one of the worst in baseball. And as always, every move Roberts makes in October will be put under a microscope.
We have a few recent examples, too.
Like on Tuesday, Tanner Scott coughed up his 10th blown save in a 5-4 loss to the D-backs, the kind of stumble that doesn’t fly once the playoffs start. “Our starters can’t go nine every night. We’re looking for some guys to step up. We need it. We need these guys.” Roberts called out the Dodgers’ relievers to take responsibility.
The postseason won’t be nearly as forgiving if the bullpen keeps springing leaks. And that’s why all eyes will be on how Roberts deploys his arms in the weeks ahead. Who knows, maybe veterans like Clayton Kershaw or young guns like Roki Sasaki end up being his wild cards in those late, high-leverage spots.