Dodgers head to Arizona – but not with revenge on their minds
The Dodgers start a series in Phoenix on Monday, returning to the scene of their 2023 NLDS exit against the Diamondbacks, but there is no extra meaning to the series – “None whatsoever,” Dave Roberts says.
TORONTO — The Dodgers are returning to the scene of the crime, where their chances of a deep playoff run were stolen by the Arizona Diamondbacks last October.
But their first visit to Chase Field since the Diamondbacks swept them out of the first round last fall is not stirring visions of revenge.
“No. We gotta focus on ourselves,” Max Muncy said. “You guys have heard me say it a million times. If we’re worried about the other team, we’re already in a bad spot. So we’re trying to focus on ourselves and focus on what we need to do to be prepared for the game. Ultimately, the only thing we need to worry about in terms of the other team is who is on the mound and prepare ourselves that way.”
Facing the Diamondbacks has no extra meaning or motivation, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts agreed.
“None whatsoever,” he said.
“I’ve said this a couple times. This year in particular, there’s the least amount of carryover from the previous year than there’s ever been. And I think it’s because of the names we’ve added to the roster – which is a good thing, certainly in this case.”
The Dodgers’ billion-dollar binge to add Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Teoscar Hernandez and James Paxton over the winter has put last year’s National League Division Series thoroughly in the rear-view mirror for the Dodgers. And the Diamondbacks’ slow start (they went into Sunday 12-16) has done the same for them in the NL West standings.
“It’s a different ballclub. They have somewhat of a different ballclub. We’re just going to go there and do what we’ve been doing,” Roberts said.
“I’m not even going to go there (and think about last year’s loss). I don’t think it’s beneficial for us, for my mind, my mental health.”
When asked about the series in Arizona, first baseman Freddie Freeman made a good point – if the Dodgers are going to try to avenge all of their recent first-round playoff losses, they can’t just focus on Arizona.
“I don’t think any of us thought of that,” he said about facing the Diamondbacks. “I guess you could say that against the Padres too, every time we play them?
“No. We’ve been playing good baseball of late. Trying to take care of that and win tomorrow.”
CATCHING UP
With his four-hit game against the Blue Jays on Saturday, Dodgers catcher Will Smith made an international splash. Smith has had four-hit games in three different countries this season – South Korea, the United States and now Canada.
According to Elias Sports, Smith is the fourth player in baseball history to have four-hit games in three different countries or territories in a single season. He joins D.J. LeMahieu with the Yankees in 2019 (England, Canada and the U.S.), Endy Chavez with the Montreal Expos in 2004 (Canada, the U.S. and Puerto Rico) and Marcus Giles with the Braves in 2003 (also Canada, the U.S. and Puerto Rico).
Smith has had nine multi-hit games already this season including four four-hit games. He was off Sunday but is batting .367, second in the majors only to Betts’ scorching .387.
“I’m just trying to focus on hitting the heater right now. Last year I really wasn’t hitting it. Earlier this year I really wasn’t hitting it,” Smith said.
“I feel good. I feel like I’m sticking to my approach and not missing the pitches I need to move forward.”
REHAB CONTINUES
Right-handed reliever Blake Treinen made his third appearance on a minor-league injury rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.
Treinen retired just one of four batters faced in his first outing. On Friday, he gave up a run on two hits in one inning. On Sunday, Treinen struck out two in his one inning of work but two singles and two stolen bases led to a run.
“I would assume he’s got another couple more before he gets to us,” Roberts said. “He hasn’t pitched in awhile. So just to pitch competitive innings so that when he gets back to us there’s no limitations.”
ALSO
Right-hander Gus Varland joined the Dodgers in Toronto on Sunday. Varland was on the taxi squad, Roberts said, but could be activated Monday if the Dodgers’ bullpen is taxed by Sunday’s series finale. Varland has made two appearances with the Dodgers earlier this season. In nine appearances for Triple-A Oklahoma City, Varland has a 5.06 ERA.
UP NEXT
Dodgers (LHP James Paxton, 2-1. 2.61 ERA) at Diamondbacks (LHP Tommy Henry, 1-1, 5.55 ERA), Monday, 6:40 p.m. PT, SportsNet LA, MLB Network, 570 AM