Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts held a press conference on June 16, 2026, revealing a pregame challenge he issued to Eric Lauer and announcing a roster move that will designate Espanol for assignment and add Tommy to the active roster.
Roberts explained that he challenged Lauer to carry a reliever mindset from the opening pitch rather than gradually working into the game. "My challenge was just to kind of have that reliever mindset from the outset and be more on the attack and not feel your way into the game," Roberts said. He noted that starters know they have close to 90 to 100 pitches in a game, and that the first inning is often the toughest for a starter. Roberts added that the message resonated with Lauer, and stated that "his ability to have conviction and go after guys is what got him to the big leagues, what's kept him here."
Roberts also addressed Kyle Tucker, expressing confidence in the outfielder despite recent results. He mentioned that over the last few weeks Tucker has opened up with teammates and coaches, freeing himself up mentally after a frustrating home stand. "I feel like betting on him going forward the way he's at right now is a good sign," Roberts stated, also noting that Tucker's recent at-bats showed better swings and balance. Roberts acknowledged that Nick Martinez has historically had success against the Dodgers, making Tucker's home run to answer a 3-0 deficit a significant moment in the game. Roberts also noted that Mookie Betts played well defensively.
On the subject of bench depth, Roberts praised Miguel Rojas for embracing his reserve role. "He's really embraced this role — one of our team leaders, and it's good to keep him active and part of things," Roberts explained. He added that the Dodgers' bench culture is built on players knowing they will get their opportunity, which makes matchup-based substitutions easier to deploy in the later innings.
Roberts also mentioned that one pitcher skipped his bullpen session to give his knee an extra day of rest. He indicated the pitcher will throw a light session on June 17, 2026 — described as a "touch and feel" bullpen rather than an extended one — before being ready for June 18, 2026. Separately, Roberts acknowledged seeing a figure on the field during a play, initially mistaking him for the right fielder, and referenced Darren Baker's appearance during a postseason game as the only comparable incident he had witnessed. "I've never seen it since Darren Baker in the postseason," Roberts said, adding he was glad the incident did not affect the play.