Dave Roberts addressed Will Smith's rehab progress and the Dodgers' trade deadline approach on July 25, 2026, saying the team's plans have not shifted despite Shohei Ohtani's recent knee-related setback.
On Smith, Roberts said a firm return timeline is not yet available. "I don't have one. I'll have one, you know, once we get back, but I do know he's pain-free and he's moving more," Roberts said. He also confirmed the rehab schedule for Blake and Edwin Diaz, noting Blake is planned to throw four innings Wednesday.
Asked whether Ohtani's knee issues over the previous three weeks had altered the club's deadline thinking on pitching needs, Roberts said, "I don't think that kind of our approach to the deadline, um, has changed given these last three weeks with Show." He added that Ohtani's swings have improved recently, though he noted the quality of contact since the break has gone down considerably.
Roberts also discussed Kyle's recent turnaround, crediting improved communication with the hitting coaches and better strike zone control. He said Kyle's strikeout rate has dropped to around 11%, compared to roughly 30% earlier in the season, and noted, "I see a lot more back and forth dialogue with the hitting guys."
On Mookie Betts, Roberts pointed to the influence JD Martinez had on Betts' career, noting Martinez met with Betts multiple times to help him get back on track. Roberts said Betts hit .290 with an OPS over .800 in June before his production dropped off in July, adding, "I'm still going to bet on the offense, uh, you know, going forward."
Roberts also praised Brock Stewart as a trusted bullpen option, particularly against hitters with his changeup-sweeper-fastball mix, noting he trusted Stewart in a save situation the previous day. "This is as big a trust as uh as we've had in quite some time in the pen," Roberts said of Stewart's role.