When the shortened 2020 Los Angeles Dodgers schedule was revealed, there were a few noteworthy stretches, with one being playing 17 consecutive games. The period began Aug. 7 and included a quirky two-day trip to Seattle for a home-and-home series with the Mariners.
Not playing a four-game series either at Dodger Stadium or T-Mobile Park struck Dodgers manager Dave Roberts as odd, particularly considering MLB’s efforts to limit travel this season in the interest of player health and safety.
But he praised the Dodgers both as they were in the final days of their 17 consecutive games and after completing the stretch. “We’ve been pretty good,” he said over the weekend of combatting fatigue. “Our hitting guys have done a great job of managing workload. You guys don’t get to see it, but I think the last three out of five days, we haven’t hit on the field.
“It’s been hot here. Seattle was nice, but there was a day we didn’t hit. I think that’s good as far as keeping guys off their legs and off the field as much as possible. Also, using the DH to give guys an off day, I think has been very beneficial. I don’t see any signs of the 17-day stretch getting to us.”
L.A. went 13-4 during the most physically taxing portion of their 2020 schedule, and at 22-8 boast the best record in baseball. “It’s hard to put it into perspective, to be quite honest,” Roberts said hours before the Dodgers completed series sweep of the Colorado Rockies.
“We’re just at the end of a 17-day stretch, where typically it would be kind of on fumes but right now I think we all feel really good. Looking forward to [Monday] but thinking we’re at the halfway point, and the (remaining) half is only another 30 games, not 81 games.
“It snuck up on us, we’ve got the trade deadline coming up, which isn’t a lot of conversation, which it normally is. Just an odd year but still a lot of fun.”
Roberts had guarded expectations
There was no denying the Dodgers’ talent heading into Spring Training and the regular season. But the unique circumstances brought about by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic had even Roberts uncertain of how the team would fare once Opening Day arrived.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” he admitted. “Coming out of Summer Camp, I felt that we were really prepared and really focused.
“You never know how it’s going to play out as far as wins and losses, but I really felt good about the players we had and preparation leading into the season. It’s good to see we’re playing some good baseball.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
