Roberts Prefers Traditional Overtime Rules
LOS ANGELES — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed support for sticking with traditional overtime rules in the postseason, even while considering the option of having position players pitch.
Just the night prior, the Dodgers pulled off a thrilling win in Game 3 of the World Series, extending the match into the 18th inning. In a regular-season scenario, the game might have concluded much sooner, thanks to the automatic runner on second base rule that kicks in from the 10th inning onwards.
Ultimately, it was Freddie Freeman’s home run that sealed a 6-5 victory over the Blue Jays. This marathon game tied it for the longest in World Series history, reminiscent of another drawn-out contest the Dodgers played against the Red Sox in 2018.
“This is real baseball,” Roberts shared. “Winning seven games in a row means you’ve got to endure a match like that; it’s a war of pitcher attrition. I appreciate the way this game is played, and I value the regular-season structure.”
Roberts had planned to substitute the night’s 10th pitcher, Will Klein, for four scoreless innings, and if the game went to the 19th, he was considering Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who recently pitched a complete game. And if that didn’t work out? Well, then infielder Miguel Rojas was next in line.
“That’s where we found ourselves,” Roberts commented, adding that Game 1’s starting pitcher, Blake Snell, wasn’t an option since he was busy warming up in the bullpen.
Meanwhile, Blue Jays manager John Schneider reported that George Springer was feeling worse “hour by hour” following his exit from Monday’s game due to discomfort.
Bo Bichette stepped in at DH for Springer, going 1-for-4 and making a crucial RBI hit in the seventh inning of the Blue Jays’ 6-2 win in Game 4.
Despite Springer sitting out, Schneider didn’t entirely rule out the possibility of using him later in the series.
“He plays for moments like this,” Schneider stated. “It’s impressive to see how much he improves physically each season. If he’s able to contribute in any way, I want George on the field.”
