Dave Roberts said on September 1, 2026, that Shohei Ohtani will not make a pitching decision before Sunday.
Roberts added that the Dodgers will discuss Ohtani’s future pitching outlook during the week, saying, “there's going to be a conversation that needs to be had this week.” He also said the Dodgers have 25 regular-season games remaining, a claim he framed as “there's less than a month left of the regular season, 25 games.”
Will Smith is planned to catch every other day during the series, including twice against the St. Louis Cardinals. Roberts said Tommy Edman will play all four games of the home series and expects him at second base on Thursday. Alex Freeland will play second base primarily against pitchers, while Dalton Rushing will continue building up his arm and be used as a pinch hitter. Roberts also stated that the Dodgers did not call up an outfielder.
Roberts explained that the Dodgers are focused on reducing mental mistakes, baserunning errors and empty at-bats during September. He noted that he gives established players more leeway while evaluating whether they can handle potential postseason moments, and said the bench provides positional versatility, platoon flexibility and power potential, although everyday players still must perform. Roberts also said the Dodgers probably need a sixth starter for the long homestand without off days.
Justin Roleski was returned to the Dodgers and will join the bullpen. Brandon Gomes informed Ben that the Dodgers would designate him for assignment; Roberts said Ben is shut down because of arm fatigue, with no return date for pitching. Roberts praised Ben as a great teammate and said Ben helped the Dodgers win a championship in the 2025 season.
Edwin is scheduled for another live session before a rehabilitation assignment, while Blake is expected to be activated soon. The Dodgers will continue evaluating their players, and the discussion about Ohtani’s pitching outlook is not expected to produce action before Sunday.