Dave Roberts sparks Cy Young discussions with Dodgers’ dynamic pitching duo
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is generating excitement around the potential for two of his pitchers to vie for the prestigious National League Cy Young Award. With a starting rotation that many consider the best in baseball, the Dodgers feature an impressive lineup that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani. Each of these pitchers brings distinct strengths to the mound, contributing to a formidable staff.
Heavy reliance on starters
During the playoffs, the Dodgers leaned heavily on their starting pitchers, asking them to go deep into games to alleviate the pressure on a bullpen that struggled throughout the season. As a result, there are expectations for the starting rotation to ease back into action in the spring and perhaps at the start of the upcoming season. This cautious approach is particularly important if any physical discomfort or injuries arise, given the workload they faced last year.
Despite the heavy usage, Roberts remains optimistic about the Dodgers entering 2026 with a strong starting lineup, assuming no significant setbacks occur. He believes that two of these pitchers will be in contention for the Cy Young. “I think so… but I think Yamamoto is going to have something to say about it too,” Roberts commented, reflecting confidence in his staff’s potential.
World Baseball Classic participation
Both Yamamoto and Ohtani are set to represent Japan in the World Baseball Classic during the offseason, even after enduring a demanding season. The Dodgers have granted permission for them to participate alongside their rising star, right-hander Roki Sasaki. While Roberts supports their aspirations to compete internationally, he expressed concerns about the physical toll that such commitments might take on their bodies. “We had a long season,” he remarked at a Tokyo event. “We’ll support them. But I do think that pitching, it’s a lot on the body, the arm, and the rest would be beneficial for next year for our season.”
Managing workload for success
To navigate the potential strain from the World Baseball Classic, the Dodgers plan to manage the workloads of Yamamoto, Ohtani, and Sasaki carefully throughout the upcoming season. The strategy may involve providing extended rest between starts and limiting their involvement during spring training. While the international commitments may influence their cases for the Cy Young, both pitchers have the ability to compensate for reduced innings with high-quality performances.
As the Dodgers prepare for the new season, the spotlight remains on their pitching staff, with Roberts’ enthusiasm hinting at what could be an exciting race for the Cy Young award in the National League.
