CINCINNATI — Dave Roberts wants his starting pitchers to show “conviction” on the mound. It has been a recurring theme with the Los Angeles Dodgers manager during the weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.
“It’s crucial to set the tone in the first and second innings,” Roberts said, speaking in particular of right-hander Kenta Maeda, who will start the series finale against the Reds on Sunday afternoon.
Maeda made his first career relief appearance on June 9 and pitched well against the Reds, going four innings with one earned run and three hits with six strikeouts and no walks in 60 pitches.