Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed multiple roster topics at a team press conference on July 2, 2026, centering on Roki Sasaki's approach at the mound, Edwin Diaz's rehabilitation progress, and the status of several other players.
Roberts identified Sasaki's recent struggles as a mindset issue rather than a purely mechanical one. "He ran from some at bats and had count leverage and sort of let guys back in," Roberts said, indicating that Sasaki needs to be more aggressive in attacking hitters in his return start against the San Diego Padres. Roberts also noted that he expects improved communication between catcher Dalton Rushing and Sasaki, stating that it is Rushing's responsibility to align with whatever pitcher he is working with. "The job of a catcher is to be a servant to the pitcher. That's the bottom line," Roberts added.
On the rehabilitation front, Roberts observed a bullpen session from Edwin Diaz and reported positive results. "It was really good. I think it was 28 pitches and fastball slider change," Roberts noted, and confirmed that Diaz is scheduled to face live hitters on July 6, 2026. Roberts also observed a session from Blake Snell, describing it as "really, really good." Regarding Shohei Ohtani, Roberts stated that Ohtani is expected to participate in both hitting and fielding activities on July 3, 2026, explaining that "he's feeling better every day."
Roberts acknowledged that an injured player referred to as "Trying" is unlikely to be available before the All-Star break. "I don't see it before the All-Star break. So then we'll kind of reassess at that point in time," he stated. On pitcher Travis, Roberts mentioned seeing ceiling in the player due to his physical tools — length, long levers, extension, and a good changeup and breaking ball — though he acknowledged uncertainty about the player's tenure. "I don't know how long he's going to be here but it's good to have him," Roberts said, also noting that Travis throws 94–95 mph when at his best compared to 92 mph when less sharp.
Ahead of the Padres series, Roberts dismissed any suggestion of heightened tension or intent following hit-by-pitches in the previous meeting between the clubs. "There's no intent and there never has been on our part," he said. When asked about his history with San Diego — Roberts managed his first and only game for the Padres in 2015, a loss to the Oakland Athletics — he said he would not change anything about his path to the Dodgers. "I wouldn't change a thing about being here," Roberts said.