Dave Roberts said on September 11, 2026, that the Dodgers will manage Freddie Freeman's knee with occasional days off to preserve his health for the end of the season.
“Giving him a day off here or there might be beneficial,” Roberts said. He added that “we got to manage it,” while noting that Freeman's lower-half health had compromised his swing during his previous three games. Roberts stated that those games “just weren't atypical of him” and said, “if he's painfree then I think he'll be in a better spot.”
Roberts was very impressed by Jose's strike-zone control, calling his first game “a fantastic night for him.” Jose and Dino are committed to a consistent routine, with Jose taking live batting-practice balls while observing how the Dodgers prepare each night. “I'm excited for him to watch our guys how they prepare each night,” Roberts noted.
Roberts will give Miguel Rojas a start in Miami because it could be Rojas' final game there. “He'll start tomorrow, Dave. For that reason,” Roberts said. He also expects the Dodgers to develop Dala, explaining that “it's our job to make him value defense and get him to be a better defender.” Roberts said Dala is 21 years old and that “his bat has certainly got him here.”
Jason influenced Dala by reinforcing the importance of defense, Roberts said, adding that “somebody that everyone respects, I do think that that lands a little bit.” The Dodgers' stated plans are to manage Freeman's knee with rest, have Jose work with Dino on his routine, start Miguel Rojas in Miami, and continue developing Dala's defense.