Dave Roberts outlined the Los Angeles Dodgers' plans for Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell on September 18, 2026.
Roberts said Sasaki will pitch multiple innings in the San Diego series, either as a starter or from the bullpen, although the specific date remains unsettled. He added that Snell is not expected to pitch against San Diego and could instead work in the final series at San Francisco. Roberts also stated that the Dodgers had not named a starter for the following day and were leaning toward a bullpen game.
Roberts said Will Smith is being intentionally used in consecutive games, followed by two recovery days and then two or three games in the next series. He noted that Smith would be catching back-to-back games for the third time since returning from the injured list. Mark helps formulate a game plan with Smith, and Smith catches Sasaki.
Roberts stated that Mookie Betts has considerably reduced his chase rate, improved the quality of his contact and regained his usual confidence. He described Betts as the presumptive leadoff hitter when Shohei Ohtani returns, while leaving open the possibility of adjusting that arrangement based on the matchup. Roberts expects to restore Ohtani to the lineup; Ohtani still needs a coach-pitched batting practice session, cage work and a Trajekt machine session before returning. Roberts said Ohtani would have only three regular-season games remaining if he returns in the final series.
Roberts expects Andy Pages to produce good at-bats after returning but said Pages may bat in the middle or lower part of the lineup. He said Pages will not face live pitching before returning because the Dodgers lack available arms, and added that, if Pages returns Tuesday, there would be six consecutive games. Roberts plans to monitor Pages closely.
Roberts challenged Jose Ramos to become a complete baseball player rather than rely only on hitting. Ramos is putting in work with Dino every day, and the Dodgers' immediate pitching plan calls for Sasaki to handle multiple innings during the San Diego series while Snell is left out of that series.