Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Blake's dominant return start following the team's game on August 11, 2026, calling his stuff electric and highlighting his efficiency and attack mentality. "So really electric stuff tonight," Roberts said during a press conference.
Roberts explained that Blake attacked hitters and stayed efficient, which allowed him to pitch deep into the game given the state of the bullpen. "Going after guys, being on the attack, knowing that he had to be efficient to give us length given where our bullpen was at," Roberts said. He noted that Blake's fastball and curveball were excellent, adding that the changeup was good but "didn't even really factor as much." According to Roberts, Blake struck out the side in the first inning and was pushed into and through the sixth inning because of his efficiency.
Roberts contrasted the outing with the previous season, noting that Blake had good playoff outings in 2025 but was not fully healthy at the time. "Even 2025 obviously he wasn't completely healthy as we found out later. Um but I thought tonight everything was free and easy," Roberts said. He also described a moment before the start, saying he noticed a look in Blake's eye that signaled genuine excitement to be back, alongside Blake talking about how good he felt physically. Roberts added that he believes Blake learned from his first start back, understanding the team needed to win the game and the series, starting with his own performance. Blake worked in lockstep all night with catcher Will Smith, according to Roberts.
Roberts pointed to roster depth as a recurring theme, noting that the club cycles through roughly 60 players a year to cover injuries and bullpen needs. He called dependable bench and bullpen players who know their roles a hallmark of the ball club over a long season. With Edwin and Tanner Scott unavailable that night, Roberts credited Seth for making his Dodgers debut and picking up the win, calling it exciting. He also praised Alex Call for a disciplined at-bat that set up the go-ahead run for the Dodgers, describing him as a dependable player who fights every at-bat.
Roberts closed his remarks by tying Blake's outing and the team's depth together, noting that the roster's ability to deliver contributions from players like Seth and Alex Call alongside Blake's return start reflected how the club has managed the season to that point.