Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the team's injury situation at a press conference on June 29, 2026, outlining Teoscar Hernández's return plan from a hamstring injury and providing an update on Tyler Glasnow's throwing status.
Roberts said Hernández is expected to play the first two games back before shifting to a bench role. "I think probably having him play the first two and then on Wednesday be available off the bench," Roberts said. On Glasnow, Roberts noted he has resumed throwing but has not yet reached bullpen sessions, adding that the organization is proceeding carefully given the unpredictable nature of his back spasms. "With the spasms that kind of pop up we don't know. But I think we're being very cautious right now," he stated.
Roberts acknowledged that both Glasnow and Blake Snell are not close to returning, which gives Eric Lauer a clear runway to continue making starts. Snell threw a bullpen session with Diaz on June 29, 2026, a step in his own recovery. Lauer, Roberts explained, came to the Dodgers understanding his role was to fill in until Glasnow and Snell returned. Roberts praised Lauer's preparation and approach, noting his low walk rate as a particular strength. "He doesn't walk many guys, so I like the way he goes about it," Roberts added.
Roberts also evaluated Kyle Hurt, saying the pitcher is not dealing with any physical issues beyond what any player experiences in late June and early July. The manager identified Hurt's recent struggles as a mechanical tendency rather than a health concern. "With the fastball he's trying to be a little bit too fine for me," Roberts noted, pointing to Hurt's reluctance to attack the bigger part of the plate. Lineup construction from spots five through nine—particularly around Hernández, Max Muncy, and Tucker—was described by Roberts as a day-to-day decision.
When asked about Shohei Ohtani's workload, Roberts described Ohtani's daily routine as highly detailed and regimented, explaining that Ohtani is "essentially operating as two separate baseball players." Roberts confirmed that if Ohtani were to pitch for a national team, he would have to do so as a starter rather than a reliever, underscoring the unique constraints involved in managing Ohtani's dual role.