The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering Tuesday’s game against the Angels with an MLB-best record of 83-55, a success that comes with high expectations after the team committed over $1 billion in future salaries during the offseason.
Such a large financial commitment has added pressure to what was once a simple game.
“It takes a bit of the fun out of it,” manager Dave Roberts admitted to Barry M. Bloom of Sportico.
The Dodgers’ strong lineup was showcased during their recent four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix. On Saturday night, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman made history by hitting three consecutive solo home runs to start the game — a first for the franchise, even dating back to their Brooklyn days before Ebbets Field opened in 1913.
Roberts acknowledges he’s fortunate to manage a team with such a high level of investment.
“You have talented players, and they need to perform,” he said. “They’re paid well, and some are stars for a reason. It’s up to them to lead, and that’s what they’re doing.”
However, managing a team with these expectations comes with challenges. After Sunday’s blowout loss to the Diamondbacks, questions arose: What could Roberts have done differently? What should he have changed?
The Dodgers responded by winning the series finale, securing a tiebreaker over Arizona in case both teams finish the season with identical records.
The Dodgers have consistently dominated the NL West for over a decade but have only one World Series title to show for it. Last season, the Diamondbacks had the upper hand.
“We know we need to improve in certain areas to compete,” said Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo. “We embrace that challenge.”
Once the playoffs start, regular-season success matters little. Roberts is aware of this, stating, “We have to do better. We’re just trying to win as many games as possible and figure things out.”
This year, Shohei Ohtani could be the game-changer as he prepares for his first postseason.
Perhaps Ohtani’s arrival is not just about helping the Dodgers in the playoffs but also about bringing some enjoyment back into the journey for his manager.
