Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, praised Blake Snell's efficient outing and called the team's rotation daunting for opposing offenses once fully assembled on August 22, 2026.
Roberts said starting pitching "has been fantastic," crediting Snell for following up a good outing from another starter and getting the team deep into the game. He added that the bullpen is in a good spot, singling out Enriquez for throwing the ball well and noting that Brock has pitched great. Looking ahead, Roberts said Tyler is expected back in the rotation on Tuesday after working to build up his pitch count, describing it as him having "worked hard to get this pitch count up and now finally participate."
On Snell specifically, Roberts said he has been on a mission, praising his strike-throwing along with his slider, curveball and changeup. He stated, "his slider is really good. The curveball is as good as I've seen it." Roberts also said he was not surprised Snell quickly shifted from rehab mode to compete mode, noting that Snell treats games like the playoffs. Roberts recalled Snell saying of his own outing, "he could have been better in his words, but I thought he was pretty dang good," reflecting what Roberts described as Snell's demanding mindset.
Roberts noted Hunter has done a nice job behind the plate and also contributed offensively over the weekend, while Alec drove in runs in a different environment and is set to play Tuesday and Wednesday against the Braves. He also highlighted a long at-bat in which a hitter fouled off pitches and worked a walk on 11 pitches, which Roberts said was the most pitches a hitter has seen in an at-bat in 2026, potentially costing the opposing starter an inning.
Roberts emphasized the importance of the upcoming series against the Braves for playoff seeding and the season series, noting there is a gap between the two teams for the number two seed. He said having a full projected rotation gives the team confidence to win every night, adding that it is daunting for an opposing offense to look at the probables and see Yamamoto, Snell, Sasaki and potentially Ohtani. Roberts also noted the team has won five in a row heading into the series against the Braves.