The Los Angeles Dodgers unlocked their NLDS series with a statement 5-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. And then, manager Dave Roberts found himself responding to questions about two key pitching storylines. The future role of Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki and the clubhouse’s decision to bring back Clayton Kershaw in a bullpen role.

With an extra rest day integrated into the NLDS schedule, Roberts acknowledged that the setup enables more flexibility in how he manages his rotation and bullpen. “I think it’s beneficial,” Roberts spoke to Bill Plunkett of Dodgers Nation. “Getting Blake on his regular rest… we kind of reset. I feel good with Snell going tomorrow and having whoever we want to deploy behind him.” That tactical cushion has opened doors for creative pitching plans, particularly with Sasaki’s recent unfolding.

When asked specifically about Sasaki’s availability, Roberts said that the Dodgers have prepared for this moment already in advance.

“We did that intentionally toward the end of the season,” Roberts exclaimed. “We got him a two out of three. And so we’ve kind of checked that box. So I feel good. If needed, we could use him tomorrow night as well.” Sasaki made a major influence in Game 1, recording his first MLB save as the Dodgers closed out the Phillies. Yet when asked if Sasaki is officially the closer, Roberts did not give a definitive answer.

“I just don’t want to be pigeonholed into the ninth,” he remarked. “There could be different ways where the eighth could kind of present itself, where he could be the best option. But I do consider him one of our top highest leverage relievers for sure.”

Such a careful statement has fueled speculations.

Fans wonder if Sasaki will be placed as a closer or if Dave Roberts plans to utilize Sasaki in a flexible and matchup-driven way. Given the star’s limited experience and current shoulder-related concern, the team could be managing expectations while still capitalizing on Sasaki’s elite stuff. 

In the meantime, the clubhouse officially confirmed a key development about Clayton Kershaw.

As per MLB.com’s Sonja Chen, the Dodgers added the 37-year-old lefty to their NLDS roster, returning him to a relief role to close out his legendary career. Clayton Kershaw went 11-2 with a 3.36 ERA this season and will now strengthen a bullpen piled up with left-handed arms. Roberts also outlined the situations where Kershaw could he used.

“Dave Roberts said there are ‘various roles’ he sees for Clayton Kershaw, including, but not limited to, if a starter has a short outing or the game goes into extra innings,” reported Dodger Blue. 

Between Sasaki’s rapid rise and Kershaw’s emotional farewell tour, the Dodgers’ pitching plans are a fascinating mix of future promise and legendary legacy.

Now, while Kershaw’s potential role was full of intrigue, that was not the only storyline surrounding Dave Roberts after Game 1. Another hot topic came from the outfield, where a defensive failure nearly changed the game’s momentum early.

Teoscar Hernández’s costly defensive miscue draws an honest assessment from Roberts

The turning point came in the bottom of the second inning when J.T. Realmuto ripped a ball in the right-center gap with two on and out. Teoscar Hernández came forward to ease up on his pursuit, helping the ball roll off the wall and Realmuto, a quick catcher, to react third with a triple. The hit guided to a 3-0 lead for the Phillies, raising questions about Hernández’s defensive approach in such a vital situation.

Dave Roberts addressed the situation candidly after the game.

“I’ve got to look at it again… I would argue that he wasn’t not trying. But, yeah, that’s a ball that you don’t want Realmuto to have a triple, certainly a short right field,” Roberts explained. His statement highlights accountability and a willingness to defend the star, a delicate balance as the team focuses on cleaning up mistakes before Game 2.

The Dodgers might have moved with a vital Game 1 winning trophy; however, Dave Roberts’ remarks highlighted just how many moving parts lie beneath the surface. Between analyzing Kershaw’s evolving role and managing Hernández’s defensive issues, the team faces strategic and executional issues. As the series is getting intense, Roberts’ capability to manage roles could provide a decisive advantage.