#dave_roberts

Shohei Ohtani Injury: Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts Says Shutting Down Star as a Pitcher for the Season Is 'An Option' Shohei Ohtani's status as a pitcher for the 2026 season is in serious doubt after a persistent left knee injury forced him to transition to a designated hitter role in mid-July. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have relied heavily on Ohtani's dual-threat capabilities, are now considering a potential shutdown of his pitching duties for the remainder of the year. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that keeping Ohtani out of the mound entirely is "certainly an option," marking a significant shift from earlier optimism about a limited return. The decision stems from a series of setbacks, including a poorly received bullpen session days prior to the All-Star break. Despite initial hopes that Ohtani could rejoin the pitching rotation in an abbreviated capacity, the team has opted to prioritize his long-term health over short-term contributions. Roberts emphasized that there is no definitive timeline for making the call, stating, "There's really no timeline, definitive deadline to say, 'Hey, this is when we're going to stop.'" The manager highlighted that any pitching appearances Ohtani might make would need to balance his health risks against the value he provides as a hitter. Ohtani's offensive production has remained strong since his last start as a pitcher, with a slash line of .269/.344/.538. However, this output falls short of the MVP-level performance he has delivered earlier in his Dodgers career. Roberts acknowledged the team's dilemma, noting that Ohtani's value as a hitter is critical to their success. "If you're not 100 percent, there's possibly some bleed-in to the performance offensively," Roberts said, though he stressed that the final decision rests with Ohtani himself.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #yoshinobu_yamamoto #dave_roberts

Shohei Ohtani's Injury Concerns Prompt Dodgers' Decision to Sit Him The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to keep two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani out of the starting lineup for Thursday night’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals following a concerning 0-for-4 performance with four strikeouts in Wednesday’s contest. The decision comes amid ongoing physical issues that have plagued Ohtani since June, raising questions about his readiness for the postseason. Manager Dave Roberts and general manager Brandon Gomes emphasized that Ohtani is considered day to day and that the team has no immediate plans to place him on the injured list. Ohtani’s struggles began with lingering left knee soreness, which forced him to sit out pitching since July 3. The injury has since been compounded by a right biceps issue that initially affected his hitting and later impacted his pitching. Roberts noted that Ohtani’s “overall body” was “not 100 percent” during a recent bullpen session, which left his return to pitching indefinite. Despite resuming a throwing program on August 8, Ohtani’s hitting performance has been lackluster, with a .204 batting average (19-for-93) and a .704 OPS in the span. He has struck out 32 times in that period, far below his season averages. The Dodgers’ decision to sit Ohtani followed a particularly difficult game on Wednesday, where he not only struck out four times but also exhibited visible discomfort. He winced multiple times while using his right arm and showed limited lower body mobility during his swing. Roberts identified his biceps and neck—new issues—as the primary sources of pain. Gomes acknowledged the challenges of maintaining peak performance during the season, stating that “all of these guys are going through that time of year where they’re battling through different ailments.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #dave_roberts #st_louis_cardinals #brandon_gomes

Dodgers' Manager Roberts Expresses Concern Over Ohtani's Physical Condition Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed concern about the physical state of four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani following a 0-for-4 performance in a 10-inning loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. Roberts noted that Ohtani, who had been struggling with lingering pain in his left knee and right biceps, appeared visibly compromised at the plate. The manager plans to discuss the situation with the team’s training staff and Ohtani on Thursday to assess his condition and determine whether a day off or further medical intervention is necessary. Roberts emphasized that while a stint on the injured list is not currently required, the team must prioritize Ohtani’s health. Roberts described Ohtani’s swing as “not the swing we’re used to seeing,” stating that the player is “not close to optimal.” This marks a significant departure from Ohtani’s usual performance, as the two-way star has not pitched since July 3 due to ongoing injuries. His offensive struggles have intensified recently, with a four-strikeout game marking his first such occurrence this season. Ohtani’s batting average has dipped to .279, raising concerns about his ability to contribute effectively in the remaining games. The manager acknowledged Ohtani’s determination to remain in the lineup, stating, “I know he feels he needs to post and be in the lineup and if he’s upright, he should play.” However, Roberts stressed that Ohtani’s visible discomfort is not helping the team. “If he’s feeling the way that he visibly looks, then it’s really not helping anyone,” he said. This sentiment reflects a growing frustration within the Dodgers’ coaching staff, who have observed a decline in Ohtani’s performance over the past few weeks.#shohei_ohtani #dave_roberts #dodgers #st_louis_cardinals #los_angeles_angels

Shohei Ohtani to Miss Upcoming Starts as Dodgers Assess His Return Timeline Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will not return to the mound in the coming days after failing to feel fully recovered following a 20-pitch bullpen session on Friday. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision Saturday after the Dodgers’ 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers, stating that Ohtani’s physical condition remains a concern. The 20-pitch session, shorter than his usual pre-start routine of 30 pitches, raised questions about his readiness to pitch, prompting the team to delay his return. Ohtani, who has not pitched since July 3 due to left knee inflammation, was initially scheduled to make a start either Sunday in Detroit or Tuesday in Los Angeles. Sunday had been the preferred option to ensure he could accumulate five starts before the regular season ended, allowing him to build up to a full-time starter’s workload for the postseason. However, after the bullpen session, Roberts and the Dodgers’ medical staff determined that Ohtani was not 100% prepared to take the mound. Roberts emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, weighing the risks of pushing Ohtani’s body further against the potential benefits of giving him a chance to regain full strength. “If any pitcher was feeling like this, we wouldn’t let him go,” Roberts said, highlighting the team’s commitment to protecting Ohtani’s health. The manager also noted that Ohtani’s overall physical condition, including right biceps soreness that has plagued him this season, remains suboptimal. The Dodgers have not set a target date for Ohtani’s return to pitching, and the organization is still deliberating whether to shut him down entirely for the season.#shohei_ohtani #detroit_tigers #los_angeles_dodgers #dave_roberts #tyler_glasnow

Dodgers' Ohtani's Knee Injury Casts Uncertainty on Mound Return Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' star two-way player, faces uncertainty about his return to the mound after experiencing discomfort in his left knee during a recent bullpen session. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani will not start Sunday’s series finale against the Detroit Tigers, as originally planned. Tyler Glasnow, who was already scheduled to handle most of the innings in the game, will take Ohtani’s place. The Dodgers have not set a specific timeline for Ohtani’s return to the rotation, and the team has not yet decided to shut him down entirely. Roberts emphasized the team’s cautious approach, stating, “If any pitcher was feeling like this, we wouldn’t run him out there. So that’s what we’re doing.” Ohtani’s left knee, which has been a recurring issue since July 3, continues to cause irritation. His right biceps problem, which flared up several weeks ago, remains unresolved. Roberts noted that the entire body is sore, though the extent of the discomfort is unclear. The situation deviates from earlier optimism about Ohtani’s return. Seven days prior, Ohtani had thrown 30 pitches in a simulated game and was on track to rejoin the rotation after a bullpen session in Atlanta. However, the session was shortened to 20 pitches, 10 to 15 throws shorter than his typical between-starts routine. The following day, Roberts reported that Ohtani was still not fully recovered. Ohtani’s absence from the mound has significant implications for the Dodgers. His presence as a two-way player provides the team with an extra pitcher, but his offensive contributions are equally vital.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #dave_roberts #detriot_tigers #tyler_glasnow

Justin Wrobleski Lands on Injured List with Left Forearm Injury The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a setback in their efforts to maintain a healthy pitching rotation as left-hander Justin Wrobleski was placed on the 15-day injured list with left forearm inflammation. The decision came ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers, marking a significant moment for the team’s six-man rotation. Manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism that Wrobleski’s absence would be temporary, emphasizing the importance of allowing the pitcher time to recover while safeguarding the overall health of the pitching staff. Wrobleski, a first-time All-Star this season, had been a key contributor to the Dodgers’ rotation but recently struggled with performance issues. His last appearance came on Saturday night, where he allowed four runs in six innings during a 4-1 loss to the Brewers. The injury comes after a challenging stretch in which he gave up 11 home runs in 19 2/3 innings across his last four starts. This contrasts with his earlier performance, during which he allowed only eight home runs in 106 2/3 innings over his first 17 outings. Despite the rough patch, Wrobleski maintained that he was not feeling fatigued, citing his four-seamer’s average velocity of 96 mph on Saturday—1.5 mph higher than his season average. To fill the void left by Wrobleski’s injury, the Dodgers recalled right-handed reliever Kyle Hurt from Triple-A Oklahoma City. This move added an eighth pitcher to the bullpen, a strategic adjustment aimed at distributing workload more evenly and protecting key arms. Roberts highlighted the benefits of the expanded bullpen, stating that it would “take some of the load off of his arm” and provide flexibility for the team.#los_angeles_dodgers #milwaukee_brewers #dave_roberts #justin_wrobleski #kyle_hurt

Dodgers to Start Two-Time Cy Young Winners Back-to-Back The Los Angeles Dodgers will open their next two games with two-time Cy Young Award winners Tarik Skubal and Blake Snell, marking the 12th time in Major League Baseball history that a team has fielded two pitchers with multiple Cy Young honors. Skubal, a 2023 Cy Young winner, will start on Monday, followed by Snell on Tuesday. Manager Dave Roberts called the pairing a “great” opportunity for the team, acknowledging the challenge of facing two elite pitchers in consecutive starts while emphasizing the confidence the offense gains from having such talent on its side. For Skubal, the start will be his second as a Dodger and his first at Dodger Stadium. His debut against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday drew mixed reactions from the Wrigley Field crowd, with fans booing him loudly during his first start. Skubal, however, embraced the energy, calling the atmosphere “a ton of fun” and noting that the fans’ reactions—whether supportive or critical—add to the excitement of the game. He expressed confidence in facing the Kansas City Royals in his next start, describing the challenge as “daunting” but also a chance to showcase his skills. Snell, meanwhile, will make his second start of the season after returning from a shoulder injury and subsequent elbow surgery. He opened the season on the injured list, pitched three innings against Atlanta on May 9, then underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow—the same procedure Skubal had in May. Roberts praised the duo’s potential to elevate the team’s performance, stating, “We feel like we have the pieces of our starting pitching to go on a run.” However, he also stressed the importance of strong defensive support and offensive production to complement the pitching staff.#los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #dave_roberts #kansas_city_royals #blake_snell

Blake Snell to Return from Injured List as Dodgers Rotation Takes Shape The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to welcome back two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell from the injured list on Tuesday, marking a significant development as their pitching rotation begins to solidify ahead of the postseason. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news on Friday, revealing that Snell will start against the Kansas City Royals, while trade deadline acquisition Tarik Skubal is expected to make his Dodger Stadium debut on Monday. Snell’s return comes after a challenging season marred by recurring shoulder and elbow issues. The right-hander began 2026 on the injured list due to shoulder fatigue, making only one start before being sidelined again with loose bodies in his pitching elbow. He underwent a procedure to remove the loose bodies, a treatment previously used by Skubal, who returned to action in just 38 days. Snell, however, required a longer recovery, beginning a rehab assignment on July 18 with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets. Since then, he has made four starts, with his most recent appearance reaching 73 pitches. This is not the first time Snell has struggled in the first half of the season. Over his career, he has posted a 4.00 ERA in the first half and a 2.33 ERA in the second half, despite similar innings totals. His performance in the second half has often been stellar, as seen in his role during the Dodgers’ 2025 World Series run, where he contributed a 3.18 ERA across six appearances, including a relief role in Game 7. The Dodgers’ rotation has relied on depth during the regular season, with pitchers like Eric Lauer and Emmet Sheehan filling in.#los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #dave_roberts #kansas_city_royals #blake_snell

Dodgers' Dave Roberts Confronts Kyle Tucker's Struggles Amid Contract Disappointment When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract this offseason, the expectation was that the All-Star would provide stability to an inconsistent offense. The Dodgers had won the World Series the previous year despite similar challenges, but Tucker’s arrival was meant to elevate their lineup. Instead, the deal has backfired in its first season, with Tucker failing to meet expectations. Tucker is hitting .244 with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs, posting an OPS of .719. His performance has been the worst of his career, raising concerns about his adjustment to the Dodgers’ system. Manager Dave Roberts addressed the issue by calling Tucker into a meeting ahead of Friday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, per reports from Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Roberts emphasized the importance of Tucker’s mental state, ensuring he remained confident. “I think he’s in a good spot, I really do,” Roberts said. “It hasn’t been what anyone had hoped for up to this point, but for me, there’s been some signs breaking. There’s still a lot of baseball left, important baseball to play. But I think he’s in a great headspace.” Despite his struggles, the Dodgers are not abandoning Tucker. However, his performance has significantly impacted the team. Tucker’s offensive output has been below his career averages, and his defensive contributions have also declined. He ranks in the fifth percentile in MLB in Outs Above Average at minus-6, with a Fielding Run Value of minus-4. His base running has also regressed, with a Baserunning Run Value of zero, placing him in the 49th percentile. Tucker’s issues were highlighted during a recent game against the Chicago Cubs, where he made a costly error.#chicago_cubs #dave_roberts #dodgers #arizona_diamondbacks #kyle_tucker

Shohei Ohtani has biceps injury, return to pitching uncertain Shohei Ohtani crushed a leadoff home run Tuesday night, further proving his importance to the Dodgers even as uncertainty grows around his ability to pitch again this season. But it goes without saying that the return of a fully healthy Ohtani — one that can be his one-of-a-kind self at both the plate and on the mound — would be a boon to Los Angeles’ chances of a World Series three-peat. New details have clouded when and whether that may happen. Here’s the latest on Ohtani. Ohtani has been dealing with lingering left knee soreness, which forced him to miss his final start before the All-Star break. The issue resurfaced after he threw a 30-pitch bullpen last week, leading the Dodgers to shut him down for the time being. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Tuesday that Ohtani has also experienced an issue in his right biceps. Discomfort first appeared when Ohtani was removed from his start against the Padres on July 3. Roberts explained that compensating for his knee pain placed unintended stress on his upper half. “Trying to mitigate that, we stopped the throwing, stopped the bullpens — hopefully, No. 1, take care of the knee and then not have him try to create velocity with the arm that’s not 100%,” Roberts said. Ohtani’s last MLB start before injury was July 3, when he pitched 6 innings against the Padres. He allowed three runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts and two walks. He threw the aforementioned 30-pitch bullpen last Wednesday (July 22) and has not pitched off a mound since. There is currently no timeline for Ohtani’s return. Roberts emphasized that the club will not push him forward until he feels 100%. “I think the last ‘pen that he had, there was a little bit of regression,” Roberts said.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #tarik_skubal #dave_roberts #pete_crowarmstrong

Shohei Ohtani's MLB All-Star Game Participation Uncertain After Schedule Adjustment Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Shohei Ohtani is unlikely to pitch in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game following a recent adjustment to his pitching schedule. Roberts stated that Ohtani’s new Friday night start against the San Diego Padres effectively rules him out of participating in the Tuesday, July 14, Midsummer Classic. While Roberts has not formally decided, he emphasized that the timing makes it “hard to imagine” Ohtani would be available for the event. Ohtani, who was originally scheduled to pitch Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics, had his start moved to Friday as part of a strategy to provide him additional rest. Roberts explained that the decision was made methodically to ensure Ohtani could recover and perform at his best. However, the manager noted that Ohtani’s recent performance has been subpar, citing issues with fastball command and the effectiveness of his sweeper pitch. “He hasn’t had his best stuff recently,” Roberts said, adding that Ohtani has increasingly relied on his splitter, a change from earlier in the season. Despite the rest plan, the Dodgers hope Ohtani will regain his form in time for a potential start on July 10. The All-Star Game, set to take place in Philadelphia, will feature Ohtani as a designated hitter (DH) starter, with Roberts managing the National League squad. The full rosters, including pitching staffs, will be announced Saturday during a FOX broadcast at 7:30 p.m. ET. Roberts also addressed the challenge of selecting a starting pitcher for the NL team, noting that several candidates may be unavailable due to their schedules.#shohei_ohtani #philadelphia_phillies #san_diego_padres #dave_roberts #oakland_athletics

Dodgers' Ohtani Unlikely to Pitch in All-Star Game Due to Schedule Adjustments The Los Angeles Dodgers have shifted Shohei Ohtani’s schedule to manage his workload, making it highly improbable he will pitch in the All-Star Game on July 14. The two-way star, who has been a dominant force for the team, was originally scheduled to start on the mound every Wednesday. However, the Dodgers moved his start to Friday, a decision that manager Dave Roberts suggested would complicate his participation in the Midsummer Showcase. Roberts, who will oversee the National League All-Stars in Philadelphia, acknowledged the scheduling conflict but emphasized that the final decision on Ohtani’s availability remains pending. “I haven’t formally said it, but if you just kind of do the math, it would be hard to imagine,” Roberts said during Friday’s game. The manager noted that Ohtani’s recent performance has been inconsistent, with his fastball command and slider effectiveness falling short of earlier-season standards. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his pitching role, Ohtani is locked in as the designated hitter for the All-Star Game. He secured the position by leading all players with 3,341,257 votes in the first phase of fan balloting. While he remains a strong contender for a spot on the NL pitching staff, the selection process is complicated by the availability of other pitchers. Philadelphia left-hander Cristopher Sanchez is the most likely candidate to start in his home ballpark, while Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski, who leads the majors with a 1.45 ERA, is scheduled to pitch for the Brewers two days before the All-Star Game, making him unavailable. Ohtani’s potential participation in the All-Star Game hinges on his ability to recover from recent physical challenges.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #philadelphia #dave_roberts #all_star_game

Dodgers Turn Early Deficit into Dominant Win Over Padres The Los Angeles Dodgers staged a remarkable comeback, overcoming a six-run deficit against the San Diego Padres to secure a 12-7 victory at Dodger Stadium on Thursday night. The dramatic turnaround marked the team’s second-largest margin of victory in a game they trailed by six or more runs since at least 1900, trailing only a 12-6 win over the Braves on May 13, 1951. It also represented their first comeback win of at least six runs since July 13, 2022, in St. Louis. The victory extended the Dodgers’ lead in the NL West to 13 games. The game began with the Padres capitalizing on early opportunities, as Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers’ starting pitcher, struggled to find his rhythm. The Padres struck quickly in the first inning with a two-run home run by Manny Machado, followed by a solo shot from Jackson Merrill and a three-run blast by Jake Cronenworth in the second. Sasaki, who had faced the Padres just six days prior, pitched three innings while surrendering seven hits, two walks, and six earned runs on 88 pitches. Despite a third-inning strikeout of the side, the three home runs forced an early bullpen call. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the team would review Sasaki’s performance to determine if the Padres had exploited tactical advantages. “Roki was on everything he threw,” Roberts said. “We’re going to do a little dive and see if he was tipping his pitches. There’s a little bit of adjustment you need to make, but you look at some of the pitches—they weren’t good pitches either. You still got to make good pitches.” Sasaki, speaking through interpreter Kensuke Okubo, admitted to challenges in navigating the Padres’ lineup twice in under a week. “Last outing, I was not able to execute my pitches and I fell behind the count,” he said.#los_angeles_dodgers #manny_machado #san_diego_padres #dave_roberts #jake_cronenworth

Another Dalton Rushing Temper Tantrum Highlights Dodgers' Struggles with Player Behavior The Los Angeles Dodgers faced another contentious moment involving their young catcher, Dalton Rushing, during a June 28, 2026, game against the San Diego Padres. Despite a dominant 15-3 victory for the Dodgers, Rushing’s on-field antics once again drew criticism, adding to concerns about his maturity and professionalism. The incident unfolded during his first at-bat of the game, where Rushing appeared to be in discomfort, prompting him to step out of the batter’s box and delay his approach. Though he eventually walked, the situation raised questions about his physical condition and composure. Rushing’s behavior has been a recurring issue, with his recent clash with Shohei Ohtani earlier in the season serving as a notable example. Despite his on-field success—highlighted by a home run during the game and a 123 wRC+ through 165 plate appearances—the catcher’s off-field conduct has become a point of contention. Manager Dave Roberts, aware of the potential injury risk, checked on Rushing during the at-bat, a standard protocol for players showing signs of distress. However, Rushing’s frustration was evident as he waved off Roberts and the team’s trainer, clearly uninterested in the inquiry. The Dodgers’ decision to monitor Rushing stems from broader concerns about their roster. With star pitcher Will Smith sidelined through the All-Star break, the team cannot afford further setbacks. Rushing’s potential injury would compound existing challenges, making the situation particularly sensitive. Despite these risks, the Dodgers have chosen to tolerate his behavior, a move that reflects both their reliance on his performance and the difficulty of addressing his immaturity.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #san_diego_padres #dave_roberts #dalton_rushing

Dodgers Place Blake Treinen on Injured List with Right Elbow Inflammation The Los Angeles Dodgers placed right-handed pitcher Blake Treinen on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation ahead of Saturday night’s 3-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. The decision followed Treinen’s report of limited range of motion in his elbow, though he showed no discomfort during his final pitch on Friday. Treinen pitched a scoreless top of the ninth inning in the game, which ended in a 6-5 walk-off victory for the Dodgers after a Dalton Rushing RBI single and a Baltimore error. Right-hander Chayce McDermott was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace Treinen on the roster. McDermott, who posted a 5.40 ERA with the Comets, pitched a scoreless inning for the Dodgers earlier this season. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that imaging tests on Treinen’s elbow showed no structural damage, only inflammation caused by wear and tear. The veteran, who carries a 3.52 ERA through 29 appearances, is expected to miss at least the minimum 15 days but may return sooner if treatment proves effective. Treinen’s struggles in high-leverage situations have led to adjustments in his role. Manager Roberts has sought softer landing spots for the right-hander, with Kyle Hurt and Will Klein emerging as key right-handed options in critical moments. Treinen’s inconsistency in leverage, which dates back to last year, has prompted the team to shift his deployment. The Dodgers’ bullpen has faced multiple injuries this season, with Treinen joining several other relievers on the injured list. Brock Stewart (left foot bone spur) could be activated as early as Monday in Minnesota, while Evan Phillips (Tommy John surgery) is projected to return after completing his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City in early July.#los_angeles_dodgers #dave_roberts #triple_a_oklahoma_city #blake_treinen #chayce_mcdermott

Max Muncy's All-Around Excellence Marks Best Season at 35 for Dodgers LOS ANGELES — Max Muncy, the 35-year-old third baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is on pace for his best all-around season in his 11-year career. Leading all qualified National League third basemen in home runs, on-base percentage, slugging, OPS, and FanGraphs' wins above replacement (WAR), Muncy is also grading out as one of the league’s top defensive third basemen. His performance has positioned him as a strong contender for an All-Star spot, breaking a 49-year drought for the Dodgers at the position. Muncy’s dominance is evident in his statistical output. As of June 2026, he had accumulated over 900,000 votes in the All-Star balloting, far surpassing other NL third basemen, who had fewer than 400,000. His 148 OPS+—hitting 48% better than league average—is the second-highest mark of his career, trailing only his breakout 2018 season (161 OPS+). This season, he’s on pace for a 6.3-WAR season, which would mark the most valuable campaign of his career. Muncy’s resurgence has been fueled by improved health and adjustments to his game. After a slow start in 2025, he rebounded with an OPS over .900 from late April through the end of the season. A key factor in his offensive revival was the adoption of prescription glasses, which corrected his vision and allowed him to see the ball more clearly. However, injuries had previously hampered his performance. In 2025, oblique and knee issues limited him to 100 games, while in 2024, a rib injury and oblique strain forced him to miss three months. For Muncy, staying healthy has been a critical challenge as he ages. “It just means I’m healthy,” he said, reflecting on his current form.#los_angeles_dodgers #dave_roberts #mookie_betts #max_muncy #chris_woodward

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Set for June Start Against Angels Yoshinobu Yamamoto is preparing for his first start of June against the Los Angeles Angels, a matchup that carries historical significance for the Japanese right-hander. Last August, Yamamoto faced one of his most challenging outings in the majors, surrendering a career-high six earned runs during the Freeway Series at Angel Stadium. The Angels’ offense, which included standout performances from Zach Neto and Mike Trout, had previously exploited Yamamoto’s vulnerabilities. Now, with those two players expected to be in the Angels’ lineup again, Yamamoto will look to improve upon his previous performance. Entering Saturday night’s game at Dodger Stadium, Yamamoto has been in strong form over his past three starts. In his last appearance, he matched his MLB career high with 10 strikeouts. His overall performance this season has been marked by a 0.93 ERA, with just two earned runs allowed across 19 1/3 innings. This figure reflects a marked improvement from earlier in the season, when Yamamoto struggled with consistency and faced challenges in limiting damage from the opposition. His recent outings have seen him address two recurring issues: giving up runs in the first inning and allowing home runs. In his last two starts, he has avoided surrendering a first-inning run or a home run, signaling a step forward in his development as a pitcher. The Angels’ recent history against Yamamoto provides context for the upcoming matchup. Last August, the team’s offense exploited Yamamoto’s vulnerabilities, with Neto and Trout leading the charge. Neto, in particular, had a standout game, going 2-for-2 with a home run, while Trout contributed with a 1-for-2 performance that included two RBIs.#yoshinobu_yamamoto #mike_trout #dave_roberts #los_angeles_angels #zach_neto

Tanner Scott's Redemption Arc: From Criticism to Dominance in 2026 The Los Angeles Dodgers' once-derided closer, Tanner Scott, has transformed from a polarizing figure in 2025 to a dominant lefty reliever in 2026, silencing critics who once questioned his role on the team. After a disastrous 2025 season marked by a 4.74 ERA, 15 blown saves, and a lack of postseason appearances, Scott’s resurgence has redefined his value to the Dodgers. By mid-May 2026, his performance has shifted the narrative entirely, with fans and analysts alike acknowledging his resurgence. Scott’s 2026 season has been nothing short of remarkable. Through May 24, he posted a 1.25 ERA, a 32.5% strikeout rate, and a 3.9% walk rate, showcasing his dominance in the late innings. His fastball averages nearly 97 mph, and he consistently throws first-pitch strikes to 75% of batters. These numbers contrast sharply with his 2025 struggles, where he posted a 4.74 ERA and led the league in blown saves. Advanced metrics further support his turnaround: his xERA of 2.97 and FIP of 2.39 indicate that his success is not merely a product of luck. His 17.9% swinging strike rate ranks seventh among relievers, underscoring his effectiveness against opposing hitters. The Dodgers’ strategic shift in Scott’s role has been pivotal to his revival. After acquiring Edwin Diaz in a three-year, $69 million deal over the winter, the team moved Scott from the closer role to a setup man, a position he thrived in during his time with the San Diego Padres. This adjustment alleviated the pressure of closing games and allowed Scott to leverage his matchup-based strengths. The results were immediate, with Scott delivering consistent performances in high-leverage situations.#los_angeles_dodgers #dave_roberts #andrew_friedman #edwin_diaz #tanner_scott

Shohei Ohtani Responds to Dodgers' Hitting Break with First Homer Since April 26 The Los Angeles Dodgers had planned to give their star player a mental and physical break from the batter’s box, but Shohei Ohtani defied expectations by delivering his first home run since April 26. The decision came after a rough stretch at the plate, with Ohtani struggling to find his rhythm and the Dodgers suffering a four-game losing streak. Manager Dave Roberts announced the plan to rest Ohtani during a four-game series against the San Francisco Giants, aiming to help the two-way superstar regain his form. However, Ohtani’s performance in a critical game Tuesday night proved that the break might not have been necessary. Roberts had already hinted at the possibility of sitting Ohtani during his scheduled pitching start against the Giants, confirming the plan a day after stating his intention to provide the player at least one day off. The manager’s strategy was rooted in the belief that a temporary respite could help Ohtani recalibrate his approach at the plate. “It certainly should be on the table,” Roberts said Monday when asked about the potential day off. Yet, Ohtani’s response to the plan was immediate and decisive. In the leadoff spot against Giants righty Adrian Houser, Ohtani began the game with a single in the first inning. Just moments later, he launched a 398-foot home run into the third inning, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. Despite the early momentum, the Giants rallied to win 6-2, handing the Dodgers their fourth consecutive loss. The result underscored the challenges the team faces, as they now sit at 24-18, a half-game behind the first-place San Diego Padres in the NL West. Ohtani’s performance in the game was a stark contrast to his recent struggles.#shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #san_francisco_giants #dave_roberts #adrian_houser

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Set to Make Key Start for Dodgers in Miami Clash Yoshinobu Yamamoto is poised to take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a crucial matchup against the Miami Marlins, marking his first encounter with the team since May 2024. The Japanese right-hander has emerged as a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ pitching staff this season, delivering five consecutive quality starts that have solidified his status as one of the league’s premier starters. This achievement places him in rare company, as he becomes the first Dodger since Zack Greinke in 2015 to begin a season with at least five straight quality outings. While Greinke’s historic 10-game streak remains a benchmark, Yamamoto’s current run highlights his consistency and adaptability in a competitive rotation. The upcoming series opener at Dodger Stadium presents a fresh opportunity for Yamamoto to extend his streak. The game will serve as a rematch of a May 2024 matchup, where Yamamoto pitched eight innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits while striking out five Marlins batters. However, the Marlins’ lineup has undergone significant changes since that game, with none of the hitters from that contest remaining on the team. This clean slate means both teams will approach the matchup without the lingering effects of past encounters, setting the stage for a new chapter in their rivalry. Yamamoto’s recent performances have underscored his ability to bounce back from early struggles. After allowing three runs in the first inning during his start against the San Francisco Giants on April 21, he managed to limit damage for the rest of the game, pitching seven innings of three-run ball.#los_angeles_dodgers #miami_marlins #yoshinobu_yamamoto #dave_roberts #dodger_stadium