Dodgers news: Dave Roberts breaks down closer vision with postseason looming

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The Los Angeles Dodgers need to win two more games to secure their bye into the NLDS, and with six games remaining, that is a very doable task for LA — especially with Shohei Ohtani on the cusp of returning to the starting lineup. It’s not too early anymore to be thinking about potential playoff strategies, and manager Dave Roberts is certainly hard at work in planning for the upcoming postseason — especially with how he manages his bullpen.

The Dodgers have had their fair share of issues late in games this season, with major offseason signing Edwin Diaz struggling in his first season in LA. Roberts will have to think outside the box on who to deploy late in close games with the stakes being at their highest, and utilizing Roki Sasaki, who returned from injury on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres, in that closer role is something they are considering.

“It’s certainly an option,” Roberts said, via SportsNet LA on X.

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Nonetheless, Roberts and the Dodgers are keeping their options open. After all, the highest-leverage innings don’t necessarily come in the ninth. And while the dream is for the team to settle into having a bullpen with more defined roles, they are simply going to do whatever they feel gives them the best chance at winning baseball games come playoff time.

“Right now, I don’t see a one person closer,” Roberts added.

Dave Roberts discusses Roki Sasaki and Andy Pages making their returns, how he envisions the closer role for the postseason and Shohei making his return tomorrow.

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— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 23, 2026

This is what the Dodgers have done all season anyway. Diaz has a horrid ERA of 10.34 on the season entering play on Tuesday against the Padres, and the team has looked to pick up the slack by committee.

In 2026, Tanner Scott has been the de facto closer, as he is now delivering for the team after disappointing in his first season in LA after signing a four-year, $72 million contract in 2025. The Dodgers, however, are not afraid to deploy him earlier if need be, depending on the situation.

This kind of flexibility the Dodgers roster has is exactly why they’re in a good position to compete for their third-consecutive World Series title.

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