Game 3 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies was a one-sided affair. The Phillies, from the first pitch, looked like they wanted to win, and although the Dodgers hit the first punch, the Phillies were the last team standing. And with Game 4 just hours away, Dave Roberts has come out with some news and a message to the whole team.

In a recent interview, Dave Roberts revealed that, if the Dodgers do move on to the NLCS, they will be missing their pitcher, Tanner Scott. As reported by Sonja Chen, Roberts said that Scott had a lower-body abscess incision. Due to this, Scott is off the NLCS Roster. But even with that, Roberts had a message to the team and said, “This is a game that you go to win the game, you have an off day tomorrow.”

Tanner Scott’s postseason came to a halt sooner than expected after undergoing a lower-body abscess procedure. The issue surfaced during Tuesday’s workout at Dodger Stadium and was described by Dave Roberts as urgent. Major League Baseball approved the Dodgers’ request to replace him with left-hander Justin Wrobleski, who posted a 4.32 ERA with 76 strikeouts this season. Under postseason rules, Scott will be ineligible for the NLCS but could return for the World Series.

Scott’s absence isn’t a surprise considering his late-season struggles, finishing with a 4.74 ERA and a rough September. Once signed to be a late-inning weapon, his form slipped enough that he hadn’t pitched or even warmed up in four postseason games. The Dodgers’ bullpen has managed without him, though not perfectly, especially after the Game 3 collapse in Philadelphia. It’s clear the whole team, not just the relievers, needs to regroup quickly.

For Scott, this time away could serve as more than just recovery—it could be a reset. A fresh start, physically and mentally, might help him rediscover the reliability that earned his four-year, $72 million deal. If the Dodgers reach the World Series, he’ll have the chance to return fully healthy and ready to contribute. The team could use that version of Scott, the one who can help steady a bullpen still searching for answers.

If the Dodgers want to go all the way, they need Shohei Ohtani, and Roberts knows it

If you’re the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning without your best player is kind of like driving a Ferrari with the parking brake on. Dave Roberts has seen it firsthand, and Shohei Ohtani knows it, too. The two-way superstar has been a ghost at the plate when the stakes are highest, and while the Dodgers lead the Phillies in the NLDS, Roberts is painfully aware that the championship road goes through Ohtani.

Shohei Ohtani has struggled at the plate all postseason, managing only one hit in fifteen plate appearances. He has struck out seven times while going 0-for-5 in Game 3 against the Phillies, showing consistent difficulty. Despite this, his pitching remains strong, reminding everyone why he is such a crucial two-way talent for the Dodgers.

Dave Roberts recognizes the challenge, noting, “His plate, his decision making hasn’t been good,” highlighting Ohtani’s timing struggles. He added, “He’s really not giving himself a chance to hit a mistake,” emphasizing careful pitch selection. Roberts knows the Dodgers’ postseason success depends on Ohtani producing offensively, not just excelling on the mound.

If the Dodgers want to reach the World Series, Ohtani must awaken at the plate. Dave Roberts can coach timing and strategy, but only Shohei can deliver the necessary hits. Without his bat clicking, Los Angeles risks turning championship dreams into another postseason “what if” story.