Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed several roster topics at a press conference on June 12, 2026, covering Roki Sasaki's off night on the mound, Blake Treinen's ongoing confidence issues, and the status of Shohei Ohtani following treatment.
Roberts evaluated Sasaki's start by noting that the fastball had good velocity and life, but the split — his key weapon over the previous seven outings — was not there. "I just thought he just couldn't command that split," Roberts said. He added that Sasaki had been able to strike and shorten the pitch for swing-and-miss results over those seven outings before the June 12 performance. Roberts expressed belief that Sasaki is now in a position to handle an off night, stating, "He's equipped now with a kind of good base of some success" — calling it a good test for a young player.
On Treinen, Roberts acknowledged that the reliever physically feels good but lacks confidence in his full pitch mix, with the ball running up frequently and struggles against hitters. Roberts noted that Treinen's first four or five outings of the season were dynamic and lights out before things declined. "Trying to get him to get some confidence... you got to have some success, you know, by way of performance to feel good when you take the mound," Roberts explained, describing the plan to find situations that set Treinen up for positive results. Roberts also identified free bases as a broader team concern, stating, "You're giving away free bases and then you're allowing slug and so when you see numbers of seven or five or four, six, you know, those things are hard to overcome" — pointing to walks as the root cause of large innings in the last four or five games.
Roberts also spoke about Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable, whom he described as a mentee. "He's a little brother to me," Roberts said. "He's doing a great job with the White Sox." Roberts stated that the White Sox are currently in first place with a young, athletic roster that is pitching well. He also mentioned Miguel Vargas, who was previously traded to Chicago. "He's thriving," Roberts noted. "Migy's a baseball player — always had the ability to hit. The defense has gotten a lot better." Roberts recalled visiting Guaranteed Rate Field a few years ago when it was empty and filled with dismay, contrasting that with the current atmosphere: "Now there's a lot of energy, excitement."
Regarding Ohtani, Roberts said he had just spoken with the training staff after Ohtani received treatment. "I'm optimistic," Roberts stated, outlining the plan to get Ohtani through the night, bring him in for some form of workout to get his body ready, and then reassess his availability from there. Freddy Freeman was also among the players mentioned in the press conference session.