Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed several roster matters at a press conference on June 27, 2026, confirming that Teoscar Hernández is expected to return to Los Angeles on June 30.
Roberts said Hernández would play again in left field before being held out one day, then rejoin the Dodgers. "The hope, the thought is he'll play again today in left field, be down tomorrow, and then be back with us on Monday," Roberts stated. He added that he expects to ease Hernández back in with roughly two or three games on, then one off, noting the team is currently in a stretch of 13 consecutive games and that when Hernández returns there will still be 10 in a row.
On Mookie Betts, Roberts noted he has been hitting better since moving to the four spot in the lineup. "I like him where he's at. To be honest, I could see him hitting four or five," Roberts said. He also mentioned moving Tucker down one spot in the order, explaining that Hart can handle the seven or eight position. Regarding Tommy Edman, Roberts explained that improved ankle stability has contributed to Edman's strong left-handed hitting since being activated off the IL. "The stability on the front side, I think it's helped," he noted, adding that Edman will play all three games of the current series and is expected to take on more games at second base during the 2026 season. Roberts acknowledged that Edman was not impressive during his rehab assignment but said there is no correlation to his performance since returning.
Roberts also provided an update on reliever Evan Phillips, whose rehab has included back-to-back outings. "The rehab is going well. We've done the back-to-back things like that. So, I'm not sure when, but I know it's getting close," he explained. Roberts described Phillips as a "floor raiser, ceiling raiser" for the bullpen, citing his slider, composure, and dependability in big games, and said his return would improve the quality of life for everyone in the bullpen. Separately, Roberts speculated that hitting behind Shohei Ohtani may psychologically affect the number-two hitter, mentioning Will Smith in that context, though he acknowledged he does not know the definitive answer. "When you see a guy in the batter's box and you're in the on-deck circle, when you see special things, I guess it's hard not to kind of have that affect your psyche," he said.
Roberts expressed uncertainty about the return timeline for Ryo, saying he hopes Ryo is back before the All-Star break but does not want to add pressure and wants him fully healthy first. Roberts mentioned that Ryo received what he believed was a cortisone or epidural shot and is feeling some relief, but has not yet resumed baseball activities. In a candid moment, Roberts admitted he does not know the specifics of the injury type, saying he should know but did not want to give the wrong answer. Roberts also referenced Brian Ward, Max, Morejon, Motter, and Randy in the context of bullpen and roster considerations during the press conference.