Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed several roster and personnel matters at a press conference on July 5, 2026.
Roberts provided an update on Shohei Ohtani's pitching rehab, noting that Ohtani had participated in a live session with Edwin Diaz. The training staff found no lingering issues from a prior sensation Ohtani had experienced, and Roberts said Ohtani feels back to normal. "From the training staff, there's no kind of remnants, no, you know, anything from that sensation, that feeling he had before," Roberts stated. He added that a rehab assignment is expected to begin soon, with a return anticipated shortly after the All-Star break: "Hopefully starts soon and then, you know, hopefully after the break we won't — we'll see him soon shortly after the break."
On a separate injury matter, Tommy suffered a hit by pitch to the right foot and ankle, prompting a lineup adjustment. Roberts explained that Alex Freeland will step in at second base while Miguel Rojas shifts to third base. Roberts also noted that Evan Phillips was not active on July 5 but was expected to return on July 6, 2026. Regarding Kyle Tucker, who sat out after playing 13 consecutive games, Roberts said Tucker is showing more positive signs over the past month but has not yet sustained momentum for a full week to 10 days. "Just kind of catching that momentum for, you know, week to 10 days. We haven't seen that yet, but there's signs that he's kind of getting back to, you know, who he is," Roberts noted. He added that winning frequently has helped Tucker settle in: "Having other people that are doing things and ultimately we're winning a lot of baseball games, it just allows him to fit in nicely."
Roberts spoke positively about Justin Wrobleski, describing his growth over a little over a calendar year as remarkable and noting that Clayton Kershaw serves as a mentor to Wrobleski on preparation and game-day approach. "He's had Clayton as a mentor, you know, so he channels a lot of what Clayton did," Roberts said. Roberts also mentioned that Wrobleski is currently a 10-game winner. On the All-Star selections, Roberts acknowledged the significance of the honor for players and their families, mentioning that Freddie Freeman has been selected 10 times, Shohei Ohtani six times, Max Muncy three times, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto two or three times. Miguel Vargas, who earned his first All-Star selection while playing for the Chicago White Sox, was emotional upon learning of the honor, and Roberts praised his work on both offense and defense. Roberts also spoke with Tanner about his selection.
Roberts expressed deep sympathy for Eliézer Alfonzo, who was dealing with a serious personal tragedy. Roberts said Alfonzo would play on July 5, 2026, but with a heavy heart, and he cut himself short when discussing the matter. "My heart goes out to him and his family... he's going to play today, but obviously it's a heavy heart," Roberts said, adding: "I don't want to really go too far because I'll get emotional."