Dave Roberts, the Los Angeles Dodgers manager, is facing scrutiny regarding his future with the team. Despite featuring star players like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, the Dodgers have maintained their lead in the National League West throughout the season.
However, after several disappointing postseason performances in recent years, reports suggest that Roberts could be at risk of being fired. If the team decides to make a change, it could impact Ohtani’s expected return to a dual role as both a pitcher and a hitter next season.
Roberts, who was born to an American father and a Japanese mother, hails from Naha, Okinawa. He was an outfielder with the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Padres. Since taking over as Dodgers manager in 2016, Roberts has led the team to eight consecutive division titles and won the World Series in 2020, becoming the first manager of Japanese descent to achieve this milestone.
While Roberts is known for his cheerful demeanor and strong communication skills with players, his postseason record highlights that the 2020 World Series victory remains his only major accomplishment. The team was also eliminated in the division series last year. Sporting News reported that the Dodgers might consider hiring a new manager from a rival National League team, noting that if the team exits the playoffs early, Roberts could be let go.
One potential successor is Skip Schumaker, who is managing the Miami Marlins in the National League East. At 44, Schumaker is relatively young for the role and won the National League Manager of the Year award last year. Bleacher Report observed that “Schumaker is likely counting down the days until he starts receiving calls,” highlighting him as a strong candidate for the position.
Despite boasting a wealth of talent, the Dodgers have consistently fallen short in the postseason. Roberts’ performance in these crucial games will ultimately determine his future with the team.
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