Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts' 'Hyperforcused' Comment Will Fire Up Padres Fans
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A war of words is always fun before a big rivalry matchup.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will square off this weekend, and though it's the former who got a World Series trophy last year, the latter suddenly seems to have the upper hand.
After making up 10 games in the standings in just over a month, the Padres hold a one-game lead in the National League West entering Friday's series opener. As the Dodgers get set to defend their home turf, their manager had an intriguing message about their chief rival.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 18: Manager Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2025 in Los...
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 18: Manager Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by)Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said, in anticipation of the matchup, that he believes the Padres are "hyperfocused" on the Dodgers, strongly suggesting that they circle these games on their calendar and show more intensity than they do in most matchups.
"I think that the rivalry part is certainly real," Roberts said this week, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. "Which brings emotions.
"I do think it's one of those things where they're very hyperfocused on us. But I guess it's a compliment. Still, we've got to match their intensity because they want to beat us more than anything."
In the last series the two teams played, Roberts was ejected from a game, then in the next contest, Padres manager Mike Shildt came charging out of the dugout after the Dodgers hit Fernando Tatis Jr. with a pitch, barking at Roberts. The bad blood is sure to add some spice to these crucial contests.
"I never want to make it about me, I really don't," Roberts said of the dustup, per Ardaya. "I just took offense to his response towards me. I thought it was directed at me. But I just want to go out and play good baseball. That's kind of where my head's at."
The big story may not be about Roberts, but the Dodgers as a whole simply have to play better. The National League West has been theirs to lose for the last decade, and they'd have no one to blame but themselves if the Padres usurped them.
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