Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made an unexpected lineup call ahead of the team’s series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 21, opting to bench catcher Will Smith on his own bobblehead night. Instead of Smith, rookie Dalton Rushing got the start behind the plate, a decision that raised eyebrows among fans and even within Roberts’ own household.
Following the announcement, Roberts revealed that his wife was upset with his choice to sit Smith, joking that he doesn’t typically track bobblehead nights when making lineup decisions. However, Roberts defended his move by explaining that he didn’t want Smith catching four consecutive games and wanted to pair him with ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the previous game. The decision was strategic, aiming to balance workload and optimize matchups in the Dodgers’ pitching rotation.
Despite the controversy, the Dodgers secured a much-needed series victory against the Diamondbacks. After struggling in their previous series against the Los Angeles Angels, the team rebounded with key performances from Smith, Yamamoto, and Max Muncy in Game 2. In the finale, Teoscar Hernández delivered a crucial three-run home run, while right-hander Dustin May impressed with a dominant six-inning outing, helping the Dodgers claim the win.
Defending the decision
Roberts’ lineup choices have consistently been scrutinized, but his track record speaks for itself. Since taking over as Dodgers manager in 2016, he has led the team to two World Series titles and maintained one of the best records in baseball. His decisions often prioritize long-term success over short-term optics, ensuring players stay fresh for the grueling season ahead.
With the victory, the Dodgers improved to 31-19 on the season, maintaining their lead atop the NL West standings. The team now heads to Queens, New York, for a three-game series against the Mets at Citi Field, where Roberts’ rotational strategies will continue to be tested. The decision to rest Smith may pay off in the long run, giving the star catcher the necessary recovery time as the season progresses.
While fans may have wished to see Smith play on his bobblehead night, Roberts’ approach underscores the tough choices managers must make to balance player workload and maximize team performance. As the Dodgers continue their push for another postseason run, Roberts’ leadership will remain central to their success.
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