Results for: Dave Roberts

Despite a slow start to the season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains confident in Gavin Lux. Lux had two hits and two RBIs in Wednesday’s 11-2 win over the Nationals, marking his first multi-hit game since March 30. The Dodgers offense erupted against Nationals starter Jake Irvin, who gave up 12 hits in just 4.2 innings. Rookie starter Landon Knack earned his first major-league win with six strong innings, striking out eight batters and allowing just one run. With the win, the Dodgers improve to 26-18 on the season.

Shohei Ohtani’s slow start with runners in scoring position (1-for-19) caught the Dodgers’ attention, leading to a conversation with manager Dave Roberts. Roberts advised Ohtani on expanding his strike zone too much and encouraged him to focus on controlling the strike zone and hitting strikes. Despite his recent struggles, Ohtani has a strong track record with RISP, boasting a career slash line of .290/.420/.615 and 45 home runs. The Dodgers have studied Ohtani’s tendencies during his time with the Angels and have developed strategies to pitch to him. Roberts has observed that teams are employing various tactics to get Ohtani out, including going up in the zone, crowding him, and spin pitches. However, Roberts emphasizes the importance of controlling the strike zone against Ohtani to minimize damage. In other team news, right-hander Blake Treinen will begin a minor-league injury rehabilitation assignment this week after recovering from a rib injury. Outfielder Jason Heyward remains sidelined with a lower back strain and is expected to meet the team in Arizona.

As a three-game series commences between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals, the Nationals have unexpectedly displayed promising form while the Dodgers seek answers at the onset of a nine-game road trip. Despite the Dodgers’ recent difficulties, they maintain a relaxed demeanor, with Shohei Ohtani jokingly targeting Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ franchise home run record. The Nationals, on the other hand, have improved to 10-11 after winning three of their previous four matches, with Nick Senzel hitting his first home run of the season and CJ Abrams demonstrating offensive potency.