Dodgers' Roberts Grapples with Recovery Strategy as Ohtani Prepares to Face Blue Jays Again
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepared for Game 4 of the World Series, manager Dave Roberts was still trying to process the emotional rollercoaster that had been Game 3. The marathon 6-5, 18-inning win over the Toronto Blue Jays left everyone in the clubhouse spent and battered.
However, with Shohei Ohtani set to take on a new role as the Dodgers' starting pitcher in Game 4, Roberts is facing a daunting task: balancing the need for rest with the pressure of needing his ace to work deep into the game. Despite playing 18 innings himself, Roberts is convinced that Ohtani will be ready to go.
"Shohei's spent," Roberts said after Monday's game. "He was on base eight times tonight, running the bases, but he's taking the mound tomorrow. He'll be ready."
But the question remains: can Ohtani overcome the physical toll of Monday's marathon with his team in a crucial Game 4? The Blue Jays' bullpen threw six relievers in the previous game, and it's unlikely that they will have the same luxury again.
"Longest game in World Series history," Toronto manager John Schneider said. "They were in the right mindset and the right headspace the entire time."
The Dodgers' experience from 2018 will be crucial as they face a similar situation. However, even with that advantage, Roberts knows that it won't guarantee success.
"It was just a whirlwind," Max Muncy said about his team's performance. "You felt like you didn't really get any sleep (in 2018). But since it's the World Series, you're going to find a way to get going."
As the series enters its critical phase, Roberts' decisions will be under intense scrutiny. Can he find a way to get his team through another grueling game? Will Ohtani be able to perform at his best despite the exhaustion from Monday?
The questions will continue to swirl as the Dodgers and Blue Jays gear up for Game 4. One thing is certain: this World Series has already written its own script, and the next installment promises to be just as thrilling.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepared for Game 4 of the World Series, manager Dave Roberts was still trying to process the emotional rollercoaster that had been Game 3. The marathon 6-5, 18-inning win over the Toronto Blue Jays left everyone in the clubhouse spent and battered.
However, with Shohei Ohtani set to take on a new role as the Dodgers' starting pitcher in Game 4, Roberts is facing a daunting task: balancing the need for rest with the pressure of needing his ace to work deep into the game. Despite playing 18 innings himself, Roberts is convinced that Ohtani will be ready to go.
"Shohei's spent," Roberts said after Monday's game. "He was on base eight times tonight, running the bases, but he's taking the mound tomorrow. He'll be ready."
But the question remains: can Ohtani overcome the physical toll of Monday's marathon with his team in a crucial Game 4? The Blue Jays' bullpen threw six relievers in the previous game, and it's unlikely that they will have the same luxury again.
"Longest game in World Series history," Toronto manager John Schneider said. "They were in the right mindset and the right headspace the entire time."
The Dodgers' experience from 2018 will be crucial as they face a similar situation. However, even with that advantage, Roberts knows that it won't guarantee success.
"It was just a whirlwind," Max Muncy said about his team's performance. "You felt like you didn't really get any sleep (in 2018). But since it's the World Series, you're going to find a way to get going."
As the series enters its critical phase, Roberts' decisions will be under intense scrutiny. Can he find a way to get his team through another grueling game? Will Ohtani be able to perform at his best despite the exhaustion from Monday?
The questions will continue to swirl as the Dodgers and Blue Jays gear up for Game 4. One thing is certain: this World Series has already written its own script, and the next installment promises to be just as thrilling.
. that's not rest, that's just mental endurance at its finest. and what about the bullpen? they're gonna get annihilated again 
. the dodgers need to prioritize their ace's health over winning, no matter how hard it is. it's not like max muncy was in his right mind last time around 
. gotta give it up to john schneider for calling that marathon game just that - a marathon 
. but let's get real, the dodgers are gonna need more than just experience to get through this series 
. I mean, I know Max Muncy said it was like "whirlwind" back in '18, but COME ON GUYS, this is the World Series! You're supposed to be on top of your game, not stumbling around like zombies! 
Roberts is right that Shohei's "spent", but can he really expect him to perform at his best?!? It's just so nerve-wracking... I need a nap 
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. it's like that one scene from The Shawshank Redemption where Andy Dufresne's all "get busy living" 
. max muncy's right though - when it comes to the World Series, you just gotta find a way to get going 
. can't wait to see what happens next! 
. The Blue Jays' bullpen is gonna have to be on point again or the Dodgers are in trouble... and let's be real, it's hard to replicate that level of exhaustion from one game to the next 
... playing 18 innings is insane! I mean, can't we just fast forward to game 4 already? 
The Blue Jays' bullpen might be the real MVP in this series, just saying... 
ohtani's physical toll is a big concern but roberts seems confident in him 
lets hope he can pull through & get the win for the dodgers 
Roberts needs to get his team some rest tho, especially with ohtani on a potential 3rd start already 
The team's got the experience from '18 to draw from, so they should know how to handle themselves in these situations. Still, can't help but feel like they're in for a long night with those Blue Jays coming back strong again 
. As a fan of the team, I want to see Ohtani succeed, but also I don't want to see him get hurt 
.
can't wait to see how game 4 plays out though, hopefully they find a way to keep their energy up