#dodgers

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

Tarik Skubal Makes First Dodger Stadium Start with Dodgers LOS ANGELES -- Tarik Skubal made his first start at Dodger Stadium on Monday night, marking his debut with the team after being acquired from the Tigers on August 1. The left-hander pitched five innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits while striking out six batters on 95 pitches in a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Skubal faced early challenges in adjusting to the pressure of pitching in front of the home crowd. The Royals capitalized on his initial struggles, scoring a run in the first inning when Nick Loftin singled on a 98.5 mph fastball, followed by Bobby Witt Jr. reaching on a fielder’s choice and stealing second. Jac Caglianone then drove in the first run with an RBI single on a 97.8 mph sinker, giving Kansas City an early 1-0 lead. The Royals extended their advantage in the third inning, with Loftin doubling to lead off the frame and Caglianone launching a two-run home run to right-center on a 91.5 mph slider. The blast, which expanded the Royals’ lead to 3-0, highlighted Skubal’s difficulty in locating his fastball early in the game. However, the left-hander gradually settled into his rhythm, retiring the side in order on just seven pitches in the fourth inning by striking out Michael Massey on a 98.6 mph four-seamer. He continued to dominate in the fifth, working around two runners on base before ending his outing by striking out Caglianone on an 88.6 mph changeup. Postgame, Skubal acknowledged the adrenaline of pitching in front of the home crowd for the first time. “I’d be lying [if I said I didn’t feel nerves],” he said. “I think nerves are a good thing. The day I’m pitching and I don’t have nerves is probably the day I retire, because I think having nerves just means you care. ... This one was special to me.#tarik_skubal #bobby_witt_jr #dodgers #kansas_city_royals #nick_loftin

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

Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow among reinforcements nearing return to Dodgers The Los Angeles Dodgers, currently leading the standings, have shifted their focus from survival to strategic reinforcement as key players inch closer to returning from injuries. Two weeks ago, the team’s rotation was under pressure, with three of its four aces sidelined or limited, forcing reliance on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and younger arms. Now, with the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline approaching, the Dodgers are prioritizing the recovery of their star pitchers over aggressive trades, according to president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. Friedman emphasized that the organization’s offseason planning avoided acute needs in July, allowing flexibility to evaluate internal options. “We feel really good about the talent base we have in place,” he said, highlighting the team’s cohesion and the importance of patience in rebuilding injured players. The focus is on ensuring players return to long-term health rather than rushing their comeback. Blake Snell, recovering from May elbow surgery to remove loose bodies, has made significant progress. He completed his third rehab start with Single-A Ontario on Wednesday, striking out nine over four scoreless innings while allowing one hit and no walks. Despite a grueling schedule without an off-day until Aug. 6, Friedman stressed that Snell’s activation date will not be rushed to fill a schedule gap. “We need to do what we feel like makes the most sense for Blake,” he said, underscoring the team’s commitment to long-term health over short-term gains. Tyler Glasnow also took a major step forward, participating in a two-inning live batting practice session at Dodger Stadium as he recovers from lower back spasms.#dodgers #andrew_friedman #edwin_diaz #tyler_glasnow #blake_snell

Yankees vs. Dodgers Game Postponed Amid Weather Delays The highly anticipated interleague matchup between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers faced an unexpected setback when the second game of the series was postponed due to sustained inclement weather. The decision came just hours before the originally scheduled start time on Saturday, prompting the league to reschedule the contest as part of a doubleheader on Sunday. This adjustment allows the Yankees and Dodgers to complete their three-game series without further disruption, though it introduces logistical challenges for fans and stadium operations. The first game of the series had already set the tone for a competitive showdown, with both teams showcasing strong pitching performances. Gerrit Cole of the Yankees and Roki Sasaki of the Dodgers delivered standout outings, while their respective bullpens maintained control throughout the contest. The decisive moment came in the seventh inning when Max Muncy of the Dodgers hit a two-run home run, securing the victory for the National League squad and giving them an early series lead. Fans had anticipated a similarly intense second game, but the weather conditions forced a change in plans. The rescheduling of Game 2 to Sunday afternoon, followed by Game 3 in the evening, marks a strategic move to accommodate the weather-related delay. However, this arrangement creates a unique challenge for Yankee Stadium, which will host both games in a single day. The Yankees have announced a "split admission doubleheader" policy, meaning fans who purchased tickets for Saturday’s postponed game will only be allowed to attend the first game on Sunday. This decision raises concerns about fan experience, as some attendees may be unwilling to leave the stadium after the conclusion of the first contest.#yankees #dodgers #gerrit_cole #roki_sasaki #max_muncy

Freddie Freeman Hits 100th Career Home Run as Dodgers Defeat Braves in High-Profile Series Freddie Freeman reached a career milestone on Friday night, hitting his 100th home run as a member of the Dodgers to help secure a 3-1 victory over the Braves at Dodger Stadium. The solo home run in the sixth inning provided an important insurance run for the Dodgers, who were looking to build momentum as they opened a high-profile series against an Atlanta team arriving in Los Angeles with a 26-12 record, tied with the Cubs for the best in MLB. Freeman’s milestone came against his former club, the Braves, whom he had played for during his first 12 seasons. With the home run off Chris Sale, he now has six home runs and a .977 OPS against the Braves since joining the Dodgers. Freeman described the swing that produced the home run as one he hadn’t executed in a month, emphasizing that his recent adjustments had paid off. “To put a swing like that … obviously, my work has been better the last few days,” he said. The mechanical tweak involved a foot turn in his stance during the previous series in Houston, which helped keep his hip closed and allowed the ball to travel deeper into the strike zone. Freeman noted that this change was a departure from his usual approach, which had focused on mental and external adjustments. “I've always done little tweaks mentally [and] externally. This time, I just did a foot turn. … I've thought sometimes, you got to think differently up in the box. And I went with a foot turn, and it's worked.” Manager Dave Roberts praised Freeman’s willingness to adapt, calling it a positive sign for the veteran’s growth. “It is good for me to see him kind of change some things,” Roberts said. “He’s a smart player and understanding that at some point in a career, you’ve got to make some adjustments.#freddie_freeman #dodgers #dodger_stadium #emmet_sheehan #braves

Roki Sasaki's Splitter Emerges as Key Weapon in Dodgers' Victory Over Cubs Roki Sasaki made a significant stride in his Major League Baseball (MLB) development during the Dodgers' 12-4 victory over the Cubs on Saturday, showcasing a revamped splitter that became his most frequently used pitch. The 23-year-old Japanese star, who has long been lauded for his potential, faced challenges in his rookie season due to inconsistencies with his fastball, which limited his ability to effectively complement his splitter. This year, however, Sasaki has embraced adjustments to his arsenal, with his splitter proving instrumental in the game. The splitter, a pitch Sasaki has called his "signature offering," was thrown 48 times during the start, the highest usage of any pitch in his MLB career this season. This marked a notable shift from his previous season, when the splitter accounted for only half of his pitches on May 9, 2023. The pitch’s effectiveness was underscored by its improved velocity and spin rate. Sasaki averaged 90.8 mph with the splitter, a 5.8 mph increase from his season average, and his spin rate reached 991 rpm, significantly higher than his typical 574 rpm. These metrics align with his performance during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where his splitter averaged 91 mph and around 1,100 rpm. Manager Dave Roberts highlighted the splitter’s evolution, noting that it now "tunnels more like the fastball," a characteristic that could lead to more swing-and-miss outcomes. Despite allowing four runs, including three solo home runs, Sasaki pitched into the sixth inning for the first time this season, demonstrating improved durability. His ability to command the splitter early in counts also stood out, as he secured a first-pitch strike in nine of 10 instances.#dave_roberts #dodgers #cubs #roki_sasaki #splitter

Week of April 6: Five Major MLB Series to Watch as Opening Week Concludes The Opening Week of the 2026 MLB season has wrapped up, but the calendar remains packed with high-stakes matchups. From World Series rematches to the return of a team to its historic ballpark and the debut of baseball’s top prospect, the week of April 6 promises a slate of games that will test the mettle of the league’s best teams. Here’s a breakdown of five series to keep an eye on, each carrying its own narrative, stakes, and potential for drama. The Dodgers and Blue Jays will square off in a three-game series starting Monday, marking the second-earliest World Series rematch in history. The 2025 Fall Classic saw the Dodgers clinch their first repeat championship since the 1998-2000 Yankees, with a thrilling Game 6 and 7 sweep in Toronto. This season’s rematch is a rare opportunity for the Blue Jays to exact revenge, though the Dodgers’ dominance in the series—winning 11 of the last 12 matchups—suggests the challenge will be steep. A key storyline will center on Tuesday’s pitching duel between Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Kevin Gausman. Yamamoto’s historic Game 7 performance in the 2025 World Series, where he pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings, has left Toronto fans wary. Meanwhile, Gausman has been dominant in 2026, allowing just one run in his first two starts while striking out 21 batters. The Blue Jays’ offense, which narrowly missed the World Series MVP award last year, will need to capitalize on Yamamoto’s potential struggles. The AL Central rivalry between the Royals and Guardians kicks off on Monday as well, with Kansas City looking to break a two-year losing streak against Cleveland. The Royals have dominated the season series in the last decade, winning once in the past 10 campaigns, but the Guardians’ recent surge—led by superstars Bobby Witt Jr.#mlb #yoshinobu_yamamoto #dodgers #blue_jays #kevin_gausman

Dodgers News: Edwin Diaz to Bring Timmy Trumpet's "Narcos" Theme to Los Angeles As the 2026 MLB season approaches, Los Angeles Dodgers fans are eagerly anticipating the debut of new additions to the roster, including Edwin Diaz, who has signed a lucrative free-agent contract. The focus is on whether Diaz will bring his iconic "Narcos" entrance theme, a signature element of his career, to Dodger Stadium. Diaz, known for his electrifying presence on the mound, has long been associated with the high-energy "Narcos" song by Timmy Trumpet and Blasterjaxx. The track, which blends electronic beats with a dramatic trumpet solo, became a staple of his walk-up music during his time with the Seattle Mariners. After briefly switching to a different song during his tenure with the New York Mets, Diaz returned to "Narcos" in 2023, sparking a wave of fan enthusiasm. The Mets even incorporated the theme into merchandise, including bobbleheads and foam trumpet giveaways, cementing its place in the team’s culture. Now, with Diaz joining the Dodgers, fans are curious about how the theme will translate to Dodger Stadium. NBC Los Angeles reporter Olivia Garvey highlighted the significance of the moment, noting that the "Narcos" entrance would mark the first time Diaz steps onto the field at the iconic venue. “If all you Dodgers fans aren’t excited enough for OPENING DAY… For the first time at Dodger Stadium… We finally get to see Edwin Diaz come out of the Bullpen to the Trumpets,” Garvey wrote. The Dodgers’ 2026 lineup includes returning stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, alongside new additions such as Kyle Tucker and Santiago Espinal. Diaz’s role as the team’s closer is expected to address their late-inning struggles, adding another layer of excitement for the season.#los_angeles #dodgers #edwin_diaz #timmy_trumpet #blasterjaxx

2026 MLB Predictions: Playoffs, World Series, MVPs and More The 2026 Major League Baseball season kicks off with the Yankees facing the Giants in a Wednesday night opener, followed by 11 Opening Day games on Thursday. With the regular season underway, ESPN’s MLB writers, analysts, and editors have shared their predictions for the year, covering everything from playoff contenders and World Series champions to MVPs, Cy Young winners, and Rookie of the Year finalists. The American League and National League are filled with questions heading into the season. Will the Dodgers become the first team since the 1998-2000 Yankees to three-peat as World Series champions? How will stars like Freddy Peralta (Mets) and Alex Bregman (Cubs) perform in new environments? Which team will dominate the competitive AL East? What will Shohei Ohtani’s first full season as a two-way player look like for the Dodgers? And what surprises might the playoffs bring? While no one can predict the future with certainty, ESPN’s 30 contributors have made their best guesses. Their forecasts span from wild-card contenders to the World Series champion, along with awards in both leagues. For each category, voters have explained their reasoning, though accuracy remains to be seen. The predictions will be revisited in October to assess how well—or poorly—they held up. In the American League, the Yankees are the top pick with 16 votes, despite the Blue Jays’ recent dominance. Voters believe New York’s roster overhaul, including the return of Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, and potential contributions from Ben Rice and Carlos Lagrange, could elevate them. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, face challenges with injuries and the departure of Bo Bichette, though their offseason additions like Dylan Cease give them a strong chance.#giants #mlb #espn #yankees #dodgers

Zach Root makes pro debut in Dodgers' Spring Breakout Zach Root, the Dodgers' No. 13 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, made a strong impression in his professional debut during Saturday night's 11-10 victory over the White Sox prospects at Camelback Ranch. The left-hander, selected as the 40th overall pick in last year's draft, pitched three near-perfect innings, striking out eight of the 10 batters he faced. His performance tied the single-game strikeout record at the Spring Breakout event, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the Dodgers' system. Root's outing was particularly notable in a game where pitchers from both teams issued 27 walks, allowing the offenses to dominate. Despite the high number of free passes, Root remained in control, allowing only one hit—a single to Braden Montgomery in the sixth inning. His ability to keep hitters off balance was highlighted by his curveball, which accounted for three of his strikeouts. Root emphasized the importance of mastering this pitch during his development, noting that his inconsistent curveball in previous seasons made it easier for opponents to anticipate his offerings. The Dodgers' farm system has historically struggled with pitching depth, but Root's performance suggests he could be a key addition to the organization's future plans. His success in the Spring Breakout event has reinforced his potential to make the Top 100 prospects list, a goal he had previously mentioned as a possibility. If he can build on this debut, Root could quickly become a standout in the Dodgers' minor league ranks. Other Dodgers prospects also made their mark during the event. OF/1B James Tibbs III, the team's No. 11 prospect, hit a three-run homer off Nick Weyrich in the second inning.#zach_root #dodgers #mlb_pipeline #spring_breakout #braden_montgomery