As the Dodgers gear up for another exciting season, Dave Roberts and his crew are finding their rhythm, with the ring ceremony still fresh in their minds. But as the focus shifts to the Diamondbacks, Roberts zeroes in on his starter, Emmet Sheehan, the lineup, and the game plan. After a promising Opening Day, Roberts is eager to see if his team can keep the momentum going.
Expectations for Sheehan
Sheehan, who had a bit of a rocky time during the Cactus League, is now in the spotlight. Roberts is clear: “This is the time to go out there and perform, where the numbers matter.”
He’s had a chat with Sheehan and feels positive about the pitcher’s mindset. “He seems like he’s in a good headspace.
Just go out there and pitch,” Roberts says, confident in the team’s offensive backing.
The Dodgers are looking for Sheehan to showcase improved mechanics, which were a focus during spring training. Roberts is optimistic about the adjustments: “When your delivery is synced up, it allows for your body to move efficiently and with the right velocity.” With a game plan involving a well-sequenced slider and changeup, Roberts expects Sheehan to handle the familiar Diamondbacks lineup effectively.
Velo Not Everything
Roberts also shares his approach to evaluating a starter early in the season. While velocity is a useful measure, he’s more interested in the overall picture.
“Even if the velocity is where it’s at, I’m still going to be looking at if he’s laboring, the stress, and all that kind of stuff,” he explains. It’s about how the pitcher’s stuff plays out over the course of the game.
Bullpen Updates
Turning to the bullpen, Roberts is candid about the current state of affairs. Brock Stewart, Evan Phillips, and Blake Snell have all impressed recently.
Roberts highlights Stewart’s session: “He used his entire pitch mix. I thought the stuff was really good.”
The bullpen strategy remains fluid, with Roberts appreciating the performances so far and keeping options open as the season progresses.
The Top of the Lineup
Roberts also delves into the batting order, emphasizing the importance of balance and comfort. “We’ve kind of done the Shohei thing hitting at the top of the order,” he notes, maximizing at-bats for their star. Tucker’s versatility against left-handed pitching makes him a key player in the two-hole, providing consistency.
Roberts appreciates Tucker’s ability to get on base, feeding the middle of the order, and enjoys the flexibility of Mookie Betts in the three spot. With Freddie Freeman and Will Smith able to switch roles based on matchups, the lineup remains potent and adaptable.
Ready to Rumble
As the Dodgers prepare for the game, Roberts is confident in Sheehan’s mindset and the mechanical improvements made. The bullpen is still finding its groove, but Roberts is comfortable with the progress.
The lineup, starting with Shohei’s extra plate appearance, is set to make an impact. With all these pieces in place, the Dodgers are ready to take on the Diamondbacks and continue their strong start to the season.