Dave Roberts said the Los Angeles Dodgers would celebrate, identify their next opponent, set their rotation and reset their bullpen before Game 1 of the next round on October 8, 2026.
Roberts said the Dodgers would use a day off before establishing the rotation and allowing the bullpen recovery time. He also stated that the next-round opponent could be the San Diego Padres or Milwaukee Brewers, saying the team would “watch the end of that last game and figure out who we're going to be playing the next couple days.”
Roberts explained that Edwin Diaz’s current form matters because the Dodgers acquired him as “a guy like Edwin Diaz,” whom Roberts regards as one of the great closers in the game. He noted that Diaz had been injured, struggled with his delivery and completed a long rehabilitation assignment before returning to pitch well.
Roberts credited Andy, Henriquez, Depala, Max and Freddy for contributing in different ways, including Freddy’s glove and bat. Asked about his reaction to the number of contributors, Roberts answered, “I guess amazement.” He added that postseason success requires playing the best baseball, having players step up in big moments and receiving some good fortune.
Roberts also expressed support for Shohei Ohtani, saying, “I really believe that he's going to come to life at some point.” Roberts supports Ohtani, and the Dodgers players believe in him as the team prepares for Game 1 of the next round.