Report: Dodgers to retain Dave Roberts after stunning NLDS loss to Nationals
The Los Angeles Dodgers intend to retain manager Dave Roberts in the aftermath of Wednesday’s stunning Game 5 loss to the Washington Nationals in the NLDS, The Los Angeles Times reports.
Roberts signed a new deal in the offseason and has three years remaining on his contract.
Roberts drew heat for the loss that saw the Dodgers blow a 3-1 seventh-inning lead. After Clayton Kershaw gave up a pair of solo home runs in relief in the eighth, reliever Joe Kelly took the mound in the ninth with the game tied at 3-3.
Roberts questioned for sticking with Kelly
Kelly pitched a scoreless inning and returned in the 10th, where he loaded the bases and gave up the game-winning grand slam to Nationals second baseman Howie Kendrick. Meanwhile closer Kenley Jansen remained in the bullpen until the game was out of reach.
Kelly had struggled and dealt with injury late in the Dodgers season and failed to retire any of the four batters he faced in a Game 3 appearance against the Nationals that saw him give up two earned runs.
Another tough playoff exit
It was another disappointing playoff exit for the Dodgers, who had World Series aspirations after losing in baseball’s championship round the previous two seasons.
The Dodgers won just one game in last year’s World Series loss to the Boston Red Sox after losing a thrilling seven-game World Series to the Houston Astros in 2017.
This year, the Dodgers posted the best record in the National League, logging 106 wins in the regular season only to fall well short of their ultimate goal.
Roberts has managed the Dodgers since 2016.
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