The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a shocking elimination from the NLDS, but one part of the team is confirmed to stay the same entering 2023 — Dave Roberts.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were shockingly knocked out of the playoffs by their underdog ‘rivals,’ the San Diego Padres. It’s fair to assume something in the team needs to change after being knocked out following one of the best seasons in MLB history, but one thing is confirmed to stay the same in 2023.
According to Jack Harris of LA Times Sports, Dave Roberts is expected to return as manager in 2023.
Per a source, Dave Roberts is expected to return as Dodgers manager in 2023
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) October 17, 2022
That answers one big question entering the offseason. But several others still remain after the team's NLDS defeat
Here’s more on the news, and a preview of the winter aheadhttps://t.co/qVHGbWclh8
The news has gotten several mixed reactions, some blaming him for the loss and others defending him.
Twitter reactions to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts’ return in 2023
Many believe Roberts is at the core of the loss because of how talented the roster is. The Dodgers were one of the most well-rounded teams in the league during the regular season with stars like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, Will Smith and Clayton Kershaw, to name a few.
David Wohl acknowledged the All-Star level talent the team had and concluded Roberts was the issue, which certainly adds up considering they had the best record in the league.
Dodgers had a virtual All-Star team this year that was neutralized by the worst manager in Major League baseball. To bring him back would be a slap in the face to every Dodger fan who pays their hard-earned money on tickets, parking, merchandise, food and drink.
— David Wohl (@DavidWohl) October 17, 2022
Fire Roberts!
Wohl wrote, “Dodgers had a virtual All-Star team this year that was neutralized by the worst manager in Major League baseball. To bring him back would be a slap in the face to every Dodger fan who pays their hard-earned money on tickets, parking, merchandise, food and drink. Fire Roberts!”
One fan doesn’t think that Roberts makes the right moves, which contributed to the postseason loss. They wrote, “You mean the same roster that got 111 wins and won the division by 22 games? Let’s be honest, it’s not like he brings anything special to the job and it’s not hard to replace him. It’s obvious he doesn’t push the right buttons both decision wise and emotionally. Time to move on.”
You mean the same roster that got 111 wins and won the division by 22 games? Let's be honest, it's not like he brings anything special to the job and it's not hard to replace him. It's obvious he doesn't push the right buttons both decision wise and emotionally. Time to move on
— Victor (@jollyfight) October 17, 2022
Another assumed that he was under too much pressure and cost the Dodgers Game 4 by sending in the wrong relievers. They tweeted, “Game 4 loss was a result of Roberts’ overthinking & mismgmt. Those relievers should have never been put in that spot cuz Anderson could easily go another inning. Roberts then screwed up the order & panicked. So Kahnle was bad, who does he usually call in, Phillips. He didn’t.”
Game 4 loss was a result of Roberts' overthinking & mismgmt. Those relievers should have never been put in that spot cuz Anderson could easily go another inning. Roberts then screwed up the order & panicked. So Kahnle was bad, who does he usually call in, Phillips. He didn't 🤷🏻♂️
— Mr SouthPaw 🆗 (@drewme100) October 17, 2022
Roberts certainly held all of the power to make the right decisions, and only time will tell if keeping him around is best for Los Angeles.