Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Hints at Roster Changes if Bullpen Continues to Struggle
Dave Roberts has a tough job ahead of him: catch the Arizona Diamondbacks, who currently sit three games ahead of the Dodgers for the NL West crown. A laundry list of injured players to monitor and a bullpen that has been a great disappointment so far in the season has only made that job harder.
On a radio appearance on AM570 LA Sports Radio, Roberts made it clear that adding to the Dodger bullpen was not out of the question. In addition, he let out a warning to those on the roster who have underperformed expectations.
"You can always get better. But what I will say is the guys we have, they're going to get opportunities to perform," Roberts said. "And if they don't realize expectations or their performance, then we'll have a decision to make as an organization."
(Via AM570 LA Sports Radio)
After Wednesday night's collapse, the Dodgers bullpen has an ERA of 4.90, which would be the worst since the team came to Los Angeles.
Luckily for the Dodgers, they have an elite offensive lineup and some strong starting pitching options. However, Roberts emphasized his frustration at the pitching woes the Dodgers have experienced.
"You know, it's difficult. We've had injuries, like all teams but to catch a lead and to not close it out, things like that, it's frustrating for everyone," Roberts said. "The bottom line is that our guys understand that once they're out there, this is an opportunity for them."
(Via AM570 LA Sports Radio)
There are a lot of exciting options the Dodgers could explore if Roberts and Co. do indeed decide some roster movement needs to occur to fix what has been a season-long problem.
Additionally, with pitchers such as Daniel Hudson set to return to the mound within the next few weeks, some improvement could be made internally.
But for Dave Roberts, anything is on the table.
