Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Gearing Up for Tough Conversations with Roster
On the eve of the National League Wild Card Series, you wouldn’t expect the Dodgers to announce their 28 man roster just yet. But you can’t fault anyone for trying to get it out of Dave Roberts.
In a chat with the media on Tuesday, Doc tipped his hand a bit when it was revealed that speedster Terrance Gore was at Dodger Stadium working out. While he said the team isn’t ready to make a call on a corresponding roster move just yet, there are admittedly tough conversations ahead for the fifth-year manager.
The roster is pretty much there. There’s a couple more decisions to more decisions, a couple more tougher conversations that we’re gonna have to have, but by the end of this workout I think that everyone should know their fate.
Last week, Doc alluded to perhaps outfielder Joc Pederson — who has been dealing with personal matters since mid-September — not being a lock on the postseason roster. Whether that be performance-driven or the need for Pederson to take off and be with his family remains to be seen.
For the greater part, the roster would appear to be set. Roberts himself had mentioned maybe 2-4 spots on the 28 man being somewhat up for grabs. So while Pederson makes sense on a position player for position player tradeoff, the need for added legs as third baseman Justin Turner continues to nurse leg injuries could have the move taking an arm from the bullpen.
The best-of-three first round begins on Wednesday at 7 PM PT exclusively on ESPN with righty Walker Buehler taking the hill for LA against a yet-to-be-named Milwaukee starter.
Dodgers Postseason: First Round Set, Details, How to Watch, and More
