Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke about the decision to leave outfielder Michael Conforto and left-hander Anthony Banda off the Wild Card roster.
More news: Dodgers Wild Card Roster Revealed — Michael Conforto Out, Will Smith In
He said it was a “difficult” decision with Conforto, but it came down to wanting Smith’s bat off the bench.
“Given where (Max) Muncy and Tommy (Edman) are at physically, to have the extra infielder, and then also having Will Smith’s availability off the bench, and so that’s a little bit of how we came to that,” Roberts said. “You’re basically thinking are you going to take Will Smith’s bat off the bench or Michael’s.”
As for Banda, Roberts called it a “very, very difficult decision, as well,” but said it had to do with the Reds matchups and LA having more options in the bullpen in the short series.
“I think that having the length of some starters, and this is just a right hand heavy team,” Roberts said.
More news: Opposing Teams ‘Upset’ With Dodgers Over Shohei Ohtani Advantage in Postseason
Roberts added that both Conforto and Banda could be back on the roster later in the postseason assuming LA advances, with Banda sounding more confirmed to be on the NLDS roster against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Dave Roberts Says Will Smith Could Start Wild Card Game 2
In addition to the Conforto and Banda surprises, the Dodgers have Will Smith on the roster despite him not playing since Sept. 9 with a hand fracture.
Roberts said Smith is a viable option to pinch hit, but could also potentially start in Wednesday’s Game 2.
“The hitting, the throwing, he feels really good about. So I think it’s a day-to-day thing,” Roberts said. “So I’m not closing the door that he’s not gonna start tomorrow.”
Smith has played just one game since Sept. 3, and was a huge question mark heading into the series. The Dodgers decided to carry three catchers on the roster, with Ben Rortvedt getting the start in Tuesday’s Game 1.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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8 Responses
Leaving Conforto off I can see, he’s had a really rough year, to put it bluntly he just hasn’t performed. But to keep Tanner Scott over Banda? That call has me shaking my head so much I’m afraid I’ll get whiplash.
No, No, No…
I agree. Banda over Scott and I would take Call or Kike or you or me over Conforto all day long!
100 % AGREE ….Tanner Scott just isn’t showing any confidence, nor a drive to even play period!! Idk if that boy is depressed, or what , but something is DEFINITELY OFF!!
Who had the Horny idead of pitchers limited to 100 pitches?? The Dodgers have Lost many games by taking a starting pitcher out. Ohtani missed a possible no hitter! LAST NIGHT Snell was throwing a Gem of a game. By pulling Snell out the Cars came back and could have won.. I guess we will never see a PERFECT GAMEE AGAIN, A NO HITTER OR SHUT OUTS.. THIS 100 PITCH RULE SUX!
I was surprised Banda got left off in favor of an under performing Scott. Seems like the pen is our Achilles Heal right now, leaving me with a uneasy feeling.
If we never see Conforto in Dodgers blue again, it will be too soon. He just plain sucks and brings nothing to a team trying to win a championship.
I think that’s a bit harsh, and honestly pretty rude. But you are entitled to your opinion & freedom of speech. C’mon there have been worse players…but I’ll just leave it at that, however I will add …he is in the MLB roster, which I haven’t seen you in, what’s your number and which team you play for? Cricket cricket ….ah yes yes that what I thought…best wishes LETS GO DODGERS!!! ????????????
good and bad pitching is contagious, just like hitting. Nothing worse than coming into a game as 3rd reliever when the 2 before you can’t find the plate. what Roki did last nite, given the meltdown of the bullpen was amazing. Even Emmett, who has been as good as anyone, looked frightened out there on the mound last nite.