Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Mookie Betts’ Roberto Clemente Award and discussed the team’s focus ahead of Game 3 against the Blue Jays. With Tyler Glasnow on the mound, Roberts emphasized discipline, relentless at-bats, and staying locked in as the World Series shifts to Los Angeles
As the World Series heads to Los Angeles for Game 3, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts met with reporters at Dodger Stadium, discussing topics from Mookie Betts’ Roberto Clemente Award to the team’s mindset for a crucial home game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Before diving into baseball, Roberts took a moment to reflect on Betts’ recognition as the 2025 Roberto Clemente Award winner, praising the star outfielder’s humanitarian efforts alongside his wife, Brianna. “This is a huge honor,” Roberts said. “Mookie’s not only a great player but an incredible person. To be recognized with the Roberto Clemente Award—it’s quite the achievement. What he and Bri have done through their foundation is amazing. Balancing that kind of off-field impact with elite on-field performance is special.” Betts became the fourth Dodger in franchise history to receive the award, which honors players for their community service and positive contributions beyond the game.
The Dodgers face Toronto ace Max Scherzer in Game 3, a familiar challenge for Roberts’ club. Despite some speculation that Scherzer can be vulnerable early, Roberts emphasized the importance of a disciplined, relentless approach at the plate. “Max is a great competitor,” Roberts said. “The key for us is just to have relentless at-bats, one through nine. We’ve got to keep stressing him, making him work. If we do that, I like our chances—but we know it’s a tough task. He’s a big-game pitcher.”
Roberts confirmed that Andy Pages would remain in center field despite some recent struggles. “I actually think his at-bats have been better the last couple of games,” Roberts said. “He’s been competing, and I just want to keep betting on him. His defense has been strong, and his mindset’s been right. That’s enough for me to stay with him.”
Roberts also took a moment to clarify his remarks from a previous day, apologizing for comments that could have been misinterpreted. “I love Canada,” he said, smiling. “It was a long day and a long trip—I misspoke. My apologies.” When asked how he keeps his team grounded amid the magnitude of the Fall Classic, Roberts credited the Dodgers’ “micro” mindset. “That’s sort of our secret sauce,” he said. “We focus on one pitch, one play, one inning at a time. That approach alleviates pressure and keeps us present. That’s who we are.”
After a sharp defensive performance in Game 2, Roberts said the key is maintaining focus and effort every day. “John [Schneider] and their club are going to come after us hard,” Roberts said. “They’ll compete their tails off, and we’ve got to match that intensity today. That’s all we can control.”
When asked about opposing coach Don Mattingly, Roberts expressed admiration for the former Dodger skipper. “You’re not going to meet a better person,” Roberts said. “He’s got such humility, integrity, and baseball knowledge. I have a lot of respect for him and the impact he’s had on their clubhouse.”
Roberts, now managing his fifth World Series with the Dodgers, reflected on how his approach has evolved with each postseason run. “You have to grow and learn,” he said. “We’ve won with bullpen games, we’ve won with platoons, and this year, starting pitching has really led the way. Experience and roster construction both shape how you navigate October.”
Roberts confirmed the Dodgers would stick with the same rotation order from the NLCS, with Tyler Glasnow starting Game 3 and Shohei Ohtani taking the mound in Game 4. “I don’t see Shohei starting another game this series,” Roberts said. “We’re sticking with the plan.”
In a nostalgic touch, former Japanese star Hideo Nomo will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Roberts, who played alongside him, shared fond memories. “Great teammate, great worker,” Roberts said. “He carried the weight of Japan on his shoulders and always showed up. I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”
Roberts also praised Glasnow’s postseason poise. “He’s throwing his best baseball right now,” Roberts said. “He’s in compete mode, focused on the here and now—that’s when he’s at his best.”
As the Dodgers return home with the series tied 1–1, Roberts’ message remained steady: stay grounded, stay aggressive, and trust the process.