Dodgers prioritize mental fortitude and a simplified approach as they battle elimination in a high-stakes Game 6.
With their backs against the wall, the Los Angeles Dodgers spent Thursday regrouping and refocusing before Friday’s must-win Game 6 of the World Series in Toronto. Trailing the Blue Jays three games to two, manager Dave Roberts spoke to reporters on the team’s off day, emphasizing one clear message: mindset over mechanics.
“I think it’s more of… intent, mechanics, whatever you want to call it,” Roberts said. “But right now, we’ve got to find a way to win one game. At the end of the day, they’ve just got to compete and fight in the batter’s box. It’s one-on-one, the hitter versus pitcher—and that’s it.”
The Dodgers’ offense has struggled to find consistency throughout the series, often caught “in between” on pitches—a point both Roberts and Kiké Hernández mentioned earlier in the week. While adjustments at the plate have been discussed internally, Roberts believes the solution lies in simplifying the team’s approach.
When asked about potential lineup changes to spark the offense, Roberts left the door open. “I might change it up a little bit,” he said. “I’m still kind of up in the air, so it could be a little bit of a change.”
Shohei Ohtani’s availability on the mound remains another intriguing storyline. Roberts didn’t rule out deploying the two-way star in relief. “We’ll see how he comes in tomorrow,” Roberts said. “Obviously, when you’re facing elimination, you’ve got to have those conversations. Whatever it takes for us to win tomorrow.”
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to start Game 6, with Ohtani’s role, if any, still undecided. Roberts confirmed he and Ohtani would discuss options later when on the field, hinting that “everything is on the table” for both Game 6 and a potential Game 7.
Despite the pressure, Roberts struck an optimistic tone. “I’m in good spirits. Our coaches are,” he said. “What better way to win the World Series than in Game 7? But we’ve got to win tomorrow.”
One encouraging sign for Roberts came during the team’s optional workout. “I gave our players an option not to work out today because of the long series and travel, and not one guy took the option,” he said. “That was pretty exciting for me—it speaks to where these guys are at. They realize the job’s not done.”
For Roberts, the message going into Friday is simple: play with urgency and focus. “Elimination games are all mindset,” he said. “It’s fight or flight—leave it all out there. In our small world of baseball, it is war. And that’s the mindset for me.”
First pitch for Game 6 is scheduled for Friday night in Toronto, with the Dodgers looking to extend their season and force a decisive Game 7 on Saturday.