Dave Roberts said on October 2, 2026, that Shohei Ohtani was not 100% but would be in the lineup as the Los Angeles Dodgers finalized their postseason rotation and roster.
Roberts named Tyler Glasnow to start Game 1 because Glasnow could potentially pitch again in Game 5 on regular rest. The Game 2 and Game 3 starters remained undecided, and Roberts said he expected the Game 2 announcement after the workout. He also said the Dodgers had four talented starting pitchers to align strategically.
Roberts said the Dodgers would carry 14 pitchers and 12 position players, with the final bench bat, a possible pinch runner, extra players and the last reliever still under consideration. He noted that Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow had faced hitters two days earlier, and said Yamamoto got Ohtani out multiple times in their matchup.
Freddie Freeman's workout provided encouragement after he took at-bats against Dodgers pitchers and swung the bat well, Roberts noted, adding that Freeman was not 100% either but would be in the lineup. Roberts said postseason expectations were ultimately hopes for every player, including Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freeman, Max Muncy and the pitchers, because performance could not be predicted.
Roberts said the Dodgers used their break for physical and mental preparation, completed their work and held a watch party so players could spend time together. Against a team coming off a series win with pitching momentum, he stated that the Dodgers needed to exhaust the starter, force the bullpen into action and avoid allowing the starter to work six or seven innings.
Roberts identified Tanner Scott as the easiest possible game finisher to name but said the Dodgers could use him earlier based on matchups. He added that he was comfortable with Evan Phillips, Roki Sasaki or Edwin Diaz closing games, and said he enjoyed telling Glasnow he would start. The Dodgers' stated plan remained a 14-pitcher, 12-position-player roster, with the Game 2 starter to be announced after the workout.