Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the media on June 22, 2026, explaining the decision to deploy Will Klein as an opener for Eric Lauer and discussing Kyle Tucker's prolonged offensive struggles at the halfway point of the 2026 season.
Roberts said Will Klein will pitch one inning before Lauer enters in the second, with the strategy designed around the opposing lineup's composition. "Giving Eric the best chance to take down more outs in the game," Roberts said during the press conference. He also noted the arrangement is not a permanent fixture, adding that the decision depends on the makeup of the opposing lineup's first four hitters. Roberts communicated the opener plan directly to Lauer immediately after the previous game to give him clarity for his preparation. Roberts acknowledged that Lauer previously experienced confusion over the opener role with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he was used as an opener but was not sent back out in subsequent innings.
On Tucker's struggles, Roberts identified elevated swing rate and chase rate as the core mechanical issues. "His swing rate has been much higher, his chase rate much higher," Roberts stated, presenting it as his own assessment. He argued that plate discipline is the path back, explaining, "If you're going to chase, then that's what you earn and that's what you're going to get." Roberts also acknowledged that Tucker's current slump is unprecedented in both length and health context, noting, "Not this long and not when he's healthy." Roberts added that coaches, himself, and Tucker's teammates have been working to reassure Tucker and rebuild his confidence.
Roberts compared Tucker's situation to Mookie Betts, describing both as humble, high-character players whose good nature can work against them during slumps. "The curse is the humility," Roberts explained, "because when they are struggling there's not an ego, there's humility." He noted that even when such players are scuffling, opposing pitchers still know exactly who is standing in the batter's box. A reporter suggested that many elite hitters are "kind of dicks," and Roberts laughed and responded, "You can say that. I can't"—illustrating the tension between Tucker's personality and the ruthless confidence the position demands.
Roberts also praised Anthony Banda, who received his championship ring from the Los Angeles Dodgers, saying Banda "picked us up in big spots," wanted to pitch every night, and never complained. On the broader schedule context, Roberts noted this is the fourth series the Dodgers have played against American League teams in 2026, with more interleague play scheduled in the second half. He also said the approach to Brock's return is straightforward: "Treating him like a regular baseball player and hope that it's sustainable."