Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts held a press conference on June 21, 2026, providing injury updates on Blake Treinen and Will Smith, discussing Harrison Bader's rehab assignment, and commenting on air quality conditions at Dodger Stadium.
Roberts said that Treinen's MRI results were encouraging, noting "there was no structural damage with the MRI — just a lot of inflammation." He added that he does not anticipate a lengthy absence beyond the mandatory two-week IL stint, stating, "I don't think it'll be a long thing... hopefully it's not much more beyond that." On Will Smith, Roberts stated that the catcher will not travel on the upcoming road trip and has been placed on the IL. Roberts noted that Smith is expected to begin baseball activity the week of June 22, 2026, and explained, "if he starts doing baseball activity next week and doesn't have any kind of ill effects... I would see us getting him back when we get back from the road." He also mentioned that if Smith's absence extends to 10 or 12 days, a rehab assignment would likely be necessary.
Regarding Harrison Bader, Roberts explained that Bader is scheduled to begin his rehab assignment on June 22, 2026, play on June 23, 2026, and then join the team in Sacramento. Roberts also gave Tommy Edman a day off — a day game following a night game — and praised him as a dependable player, saying, "Tommy just — he's a dependable player. Takes good at-bats... can plug him out there in left field, second base." Roberts also noted that Edman made a strong play at third base in the first inning the previous game. On the team's offensive struggles, Roberts acknowledged, "we're just missing at times the right approach in that particular situation." He also described having mentoring conversations with young players Gordon and Cleveland, saying he wanted to "encourage them" and "give them some nuggets to potentially help them in certain spots."
Roberts addressed air quality concerns at Dodger Stadium, describing the surroundings as "a little Gotham City" due to dark skies. He stated that the league determined it was safe to play and that the game would start on time, though he added, "I'm hopeful that the information we're getting is right." On the minor league front, Roberts evaluated Mike Soroka, noting that Soroka extended his on-base streak to 58 games with Triple-A Tulsa and that Soroka and DePaula have been competing for MVP honors in that league. Roberts also mentioned Rock Chylinski, a UCLA baseball player whose friendship with Roberts's son came up in conversation; Roberts praised Chylinski for committing to and staying at UCLA under coach Savage rather than pursuing other financial opportunities.
Reflecting on Father's Day, Roberts described his managerial role in personal terms, saying, "you sort of look at it as a father to all these kids and those guys in the clubhouse really... I'm trying to impact their lives in a positive way," crediting his own father's influence on his outlook. Roberts indicated that Bader's expected arrival in Sacramento represents the team's next concrete roster development as the road trip begins.