Dave Roberts spoke to reporters on July 26, 2026, addressing the starting pitcher's performance and the bullpen's ongoing struggles following the Dodgers' 8-3 loss to the Mets. "I thought EMTT did a nice job," Roberts said.
Roberts noted the starter worked through a high pitch count early before settling in, saying "the way he came back in innings three, four, or five were fantastic" ahead of being pulled before the sixth inning. He added that the bullpen's recent issues stem from falling behind in counts and issuing too many walks rather than fatigue from the road trip, stating, "The walks, you know, are just way too high."
On Evan Phillips, Roberts explained that the reliever has been missing to the wrong side of the plate, with his slider drifting closer to hitters and his sinker not locating properly. He referenced Phillips giving up a home run pitch to Tyrone Taylor, saying, "I don't know if there was intent to go down and into Taylor." Roberts, who manages Phillips, acknowledged the reliever's last several outings have been inconsistent, noting "his last, you know, three, four, five outings just haven't been consistent."
Roberts mentioned Phillips is working through rust after having surgery, and stated he plans to give the reliever different looks and situations to help him regain his footing. "I think, you know, right now I'm going to kind of give him different looks," he said. He further explained, "I really do trust him. Um, but there's some work, some rust that needs to be kind of dusted off."
Roberts also addressed Will Klein, whom he manages as well, saying Klein is still trying to find his way, while a pitcher referred to as Jack had a good outing but hurt himself by walking two batters. On removing Shohei Ohtani in the ninth inning, Roberts clarified the decision was not precautionary but a result of the score, explaining, "it was more of we had our chance. Um, we're down five," with the team trailing by five runs at the time, according to Roberts.
Looking ahead, Roberts pointed to an upcoming return, saying, "It'll be good to get Edwin back."