Dave Roberts said on October 11, 2026, that Shohei Ohtani is not fully healthy but is improving by simplifying his swing and focusing on quality at-bats. “Certainly not 100%. But it's good enough,” Roberts said.
Roberts explained that Ohtani needs to return to the basics by staying in the strike zone, shortening his swing and seeing pitches longer. “it's just kind of getting back to the basics,” he said, adding that Ohtani's slump has affected his confidence as a natural reaction to a prolonged lack of success: “when you don't have success, you start to lose some confidence.”
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, Roberts stated that the immediate offensive focus is controlling the zone, producing hard contact and having quality at-bats. He also said the Dodgers added Justin Robleski because of his length, postseason experience and ability to face hitters, noting, “there's a length component.”
Roberts said the Dodgers chose a 13-pitcher, 13-position-player roster, although they lost Ha-Seong Kim's speed off the bench. “going 13 and 13 was the best way to do it,” he said. He added that Tommy Edman remains part of the plans and “he will get a start,” without specifying which game. Roberts also said the Dodgers have won postseason games on the road in elimination situations, while stating that the San Diego Padres got the opposing pitcher out after four innings.
In discussing a repeat championship, Roberts acknowledged that he has experienced both repeating as champion and failing to do so with the Dodgers. He said the team must “can match the intensity, the hunger of the teams that are chasing them.” He praised the Milwaukee Brewers for drafting and developing well, defending effectively, taking extra bases and preventing runs with pitching and defense, saying, “they value 90 ft.”
Roberts said he studies and watches Pat Murphy, and he respects Tony and Joe. He became emotional while discussing being mentioned alongside them, saying, “I'm choked up. It's hard.” Roberts also stated that his first postseason win came in 2016, and the Dodgers' immediate plan remains centered on quality at-bats, hard contact and zone control.