Dave Roberts: Burn From 2022 NLDS Is Good Enough Motivation For Dodgers

Any defeat as heinous and perplexing as the one suffered by the Los Angeles Dodgers is typically a “heads must roll” situation, and the most susceptible neck undoubtedly belongs to the man in control throughout it all. Dave Roberts & Dodgers still feel that defeat!

Dave Roberts: Burn From 2022 Is Good Enough Motivation For Dodgers

Still, it’s worth pausing to consider if the Dodgers’ latest earlier-than-expected postseason exit was truly the fault of one guy. Or, for that matter, whether it was truly startling.

On paper, there is little doubt about the latter. Despite their 111 victories and plus-334 run differential in the 2022 regular season, the Dodgers were defeated 3-1 in the National League Division Series by the San Diego Padres.

They will enter the MLB playoffs with a bye in the Wild Card stage, like they did in 2022, and will face their opponent at home for the opening of the National League Division Series.

While there may be some similarities between this season and last, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated on Thursday that his club learned lessons from last season’s NLDS defeat to the San Diego Padres that he feels will transfer over to this playoffs.

“I just know that we still have a sour taste from last year,” Roberts said to reporters inside Coors Field’s dugout. “I do recall last year, and that’s still sitting with us.”

Roberts also stated that the Dodgers would look different in the postseason than they did against the Padres, adding that some of his veterans are already appearing to be in October form.

“Miguel Rojas, I think his at-bat quality plays in the postseason,” Roberts said. “What David Peralta is doing now plays in the postseason. What Max Muncy is doing now plays in the postseason. Guys are starting to understand and getting their bearings on what plays in the postseason. It’s shortening your swing, it’s being able to take walks and use the whole field. The slug will be there, but being able to take advantage of situations when we have them.”

 

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