While the Dodgers celebrated a sixth straight National League West title last Monday that appeared improbable just a few days earlier, manager Dave Roberts heaped lofty praise on one of the players who powered their September push.
“When you’re talking about MVP of the ballclub,” Roberts said, “he’s right there at the top of the conversation.”
Stars, budding and blossomed, cram the Dodgers’ expensive roster. Clayton Kershaw. Kenley Jansen. Justin Turner. Manny Machado. Walker Buehler. The list fits the setting. But Roberts wasn’t referring to one of the 13 players on his then-40-man roster who have appeared in at least one All-Star game.