Report: Roberts to return as Dodgers manager in 2020
Dave Roberts' job is safe.
Despite garnering significant criticism for his role in the team's early exit from the postseason, Roberts will be retained as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020, two sources familiar with the situation told Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times.
The Washington Nationals eliminated the 106-win Dodgers in stunning fashion on Wednesday. The Dodgers were heavy favorites to advance to the World Series for a third straight year after the best season in franchise history. The elimination marks the first postseason since Roberts was hired in 2016 that Los Angeles has failed to win a series.
Much of the blame for the club's meltdown in the 10th inning of Game 5 has been placed on Roberts, and specifically his bullpen management. Bringing Clayton Kershaw on in relief backfired when the veteran ace surrendered back-to-back game-tying homers in the eighth.
Two innings later, Roberts left Joe Kelly in to face Howie Kendrick with the bases loaded while closer Kenley Jansen was warming up. Kelly immediately gave up the series-clinching grand slam.
"If the blame falls on me, I've got no problem with it," Roberts said after the game. "I feel that my job is to put guys in the best position to have success. And if it doesn't work out, there's always going to be second-guessing. I've got no problem wearing the brunt of that."
Although the skipper's team hasn't won a championship during his tenure, Roberts has experienced success in Los Angeles. The Dodgers have compiled a 393-256 record under Roberts, which includes two 100-win seasons and consecutive NL pennants in 2017 and 2018.
The 47-year-old signed a four-year extension with the Dodgers last winter.