fbpx

Andrew Friedman: Dave Roberts Excels At Making Players ‘Feel Relaxed And Confident’

Matt Borelli
3 Min Read
Aug 20, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) celebrates after a three-run home run by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Jason Heyward (not pictured) in the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been lauded on many occasions for his ability to connect with players, and that was on full display during a game against the Cincinnati Reds earlier this season.

Yohan Ramírez found himself in a jam after allowing a two-out single and then hitting the next two batters to load the bases. That’s when Roberts walked out to the mound to give Ramírez a pep talk while placing his arms around the right-hander.

Ramírez stayed in the game and recorded the final out on the very next pitch to keep the deficit at four.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman watched the moment from afar and believed it was yet another example of Roberts getting the best out of his players, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was not in Cincinnati but was watching on television. As Roberts walked back to the dugout, Friedman reached for his phone and texted his manager, telling him it was an “amazing” moment and one Friedman had never seen before.

“I think one of Doc’s great strengths is helping players feel relaxed and confident which in turn allows for the best chance for their ability to shine through,” Friedman said Sunday. “There’s no question that helped Yohan in a significant way.”

To say that Roberts’ kind gesture helped Ramírez get back on track would be an understatement. He proceeded to retire 21 of the next 25 batters faced before allowing a solo home run to Aaron Judge on June 9.

The Dodgers were the seventh team Ramírez played for in his career and the third this season alone. He wound up regressing some and was designated for assignment.

The Boston Red Sox claimed Ramírez off waivers from the Dodgers in late July.

Dave Roberts gave Yohan Ramírez ‘best’ moment

Ramírez was thankful for the unique experience between him and Roberts, and likened him to a father figure.

Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!

Matt Borelli covers the Los Angeles Dodgers as a staff writer for Dodger Blue and holds similar responsibilities for Lakers Nation, a sister site with an emphasis on the Los Angeles Lakers. He also contributes to RamsNewswire.com and RaidersNewswire.com. An avid fantasy sports player, Matt is a former 2014 MLB Beat the Streak co-champion. His favorite Dodgers moment, among a list of many, is Clayton Kershaw's no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies in 2014. Follow him on Twitter: @mcborelli.