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First pitch: 3 things I heard in Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays clubhouses

By Kevin Henry

Oct 14, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) before the game against the San Diego Padres during game three of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) before the game against the San Diego Padres during game three of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder James Outman. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder James Outman. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

LOS ANGELES — Before and after the finale of a three-game series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers, hear are some things I heard from both clubhouses.

With the series ending on Wednesday afternoon, much of the buzz around the Dodgers clubhouse had to do with not only the return of Kiké Hernandez after being acquired in a trade with the Boston Red Sox, but also the walk-off double by James Outman that gave the Dodgers an 8-7 win on Tuesday night.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Dave Roberts liking what he sees from James Outman

Outman’s game-winning hit was the latest exclamation point of the season for the 26-year-old Outman. After playing in just four games last season, Outman has been a key contributor for the Dodgers this season, especially once the calendar turned to July. Heading into Wednesday’s finale, Outman was slashing .310/.437/.500 in 71 plate appearances this month, then opened the matinee with a single to right field. Later, his RBI single to left finally got the Dodgers on the board.

“I’m very impressed with his ability to weather a storm. You know, it was tough sledding there for a while for James,” Roberts said, referring to 92 plate appearances in May where he slashed just .165/.261/.291. “But as we’ve talked about many times, you bet on the maturity, the age and the head. He didn’t waver in his preparation. His work with the hitting coaches and being able to manage at-bats, for me, since the break, you wouldn’t know he was a rookie. I think right now it’s almost to that point where he’s past that rookie status for me. He’s just another Major League Baseball player.”

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