Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts declared Shohei Ohtani the best player in baseball over the last six weeks at a press conference on June 30, 2026, following a Dodgers win in Sacramento.
Roberts was candid about Ohtani's physical condition, noting that the star is carrying a knee issue. "I don't think he's 100% with his knee," Roberts said, "but as far as his swing mechanics, where he's at, he's on balance — he's 100% in the box." Roberts also described a moment during the game when Ohtani appeared to size up a slider, waited for it to hang, and put what Roberts called one of the best swings he had seen Ohtani take all year on the ball. Roberts added that Ohtani is two home runs away from 300 career home runs, stating, "I hope we see it tomorrow."
Roberts also highlighted contributions from several other Dodgers. He noted home runs from Max Muncy, Ohtani, and Andy Pages as pivotal moments in the win, and praised at-bats from Kyle Hicks. Teoscar Hernández returned to the lineup against a left-handed starter and, according to Roberts, "took some really good at-bats" — a welcome development Roberts described as good to have him back in the mix.
Roberts credited Eric Lauer for providing critical length during a taxing schedule. "We're in the middle of 13 in a row," Roberts stated, explaining that Lauer's ability to consistently pitch six innings has been essential. Roberts acknowledged that Lauer was a bit shaky early and did not generate many strikeouts, but still recorded 18 outs across six innings. "That's what he signed up for and he's been nothing but impressive for us," Roberts added, noting Lauer was brought in specifically to eat innings at the back end of the rotation.
Roberts also mentioned that June 30, 2026 marked his first visit to the Athletics' Sacramento ballpark, and he expressed genuine appreciation for the venue, the fan energy, and the city itself. The Dodgers are scheduled to face the Athletics for four more games as part of the current 13-game consecutive stretch.