The Dodgers have not faced an elimination game since the NLDS in 2024. They have appeared in 26 other playoff games since. And now, even with two must-win games ahead in the World Series, the manager looked calm. His approach is much more relaxed than competitive. As Bob Nightengale posted on X, “Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave everyone on his team the option of working out tonight or taking the day off.”

However, the stars of the team understand the pressure, and “Every player showed up at Rogers Centre for the workout,” reported Nightengale. And, Roberts praised the team for attending the optional workout.

“I think that I’m in good spirits, our coaches are. What better way to win the World Series, in Game 7. But we got to win tomorrow,” the skipper mentioned. “And the thing that’s encouraging for me is I know I gave our players an option to not work out today because of the long series and 18 innings and travel and all that stuff and not one guy took the option.” 

It was a classic 6 hours 39 minutes Game 3 in the World Series, running for 18 innings that ended with a 6-5 LA win. And even though Game 4 was in Lon Angeles, their “four-plane travel party” (that’s how their travel after Game 2 went) might not have made things easier for the team. For Roberts, the commitment from his team surely spoke volumes.

“So that was pretty exciting for me and just speaks to where these guys are at, that they realize that the job’s not done, and we’re going to keep going and keep fighting,” Roberts shared.

Yet, this confidence did not sit well with fans. After all, with a 2-1 lead in the series, they lost Games 4 and 5 at home. And now, fans are very much aware that the Dodgers have their backs against the wall as Game 6 will take place at the rival’s territory.

Looking at Game 5, it’s pretty evident why Roberts‘ statement has frustrated fans. They managed just 4 hits against the Jays. Kiké Hernández’s third-inning homer was the Dave Roberts team’s only extra-base hit, making the final score 6-1. The Dodgers also struck out 15 times.

Will Smith, who was positioned at Mookie Betts’ No. 2 spot, contributed just a ninth-inning single. Mookie Betts, who was positioned in the No. 3 spot, performed like a newcomer. The star went 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts. And Max Muncy went 0 for 3. Even Shohei Ohtani failed to contribute and went 0 for 4 in the leadoff spot.

Now, fans have taken to social media to criticize Roberts.

Fans react to the Dodgers’ skipper’s statement before Game 6

One annoyed Dodgers fan summarized what many felt. “I mean you’re one game away from not being with your team for maybe ever after this run. I’m sure you want every opportunity to enjoy this time together.” The reaction shows a deeper disillusionment, not only calling out the manager’s leadership but also reminding him that his 3-year contract extension signed in 2022 is about to end. 

Another sarcastic comment read, “Come on Bob!! Was it really an option after getting smoked at home? It should be over.” For fans, this workout session should have never been an option in the first place, given that the Dodgers lost both games 4 and 5 at home! 

One fan joked, writing, “What were they going to do, walk around Toronto in an LA hat?” This joke showed the disbelief fans had with Roberts’ statement, meaning that showing up to practice was not showing your commitment. It should have been mandatory, especially at the verge of elimination.

Another comment pointed out the financial irony. “Wow, a bunch of ballplayers who earn a combined $350 million a year showed up to jog and play catch for a couple hours. Amazing.” This reaction captured the rising frustration among fans regarding players’ efforts as compared to their huge paychecks. It was not just about attending practice sessions; it was about accountability. 

“Why would he give them an option lol,” one fan decided to go straightforward. Even if every player attended the practice session, the idea of an option before the biggest game of the season clashed with the urgency that they expected from a championship finalist.

The Dodgers’ preparation for Game 6 sparked a controversy, not for attendance in the practice session but for the tone set by Roberts. Fans who are already annoyed by the poor performance and home losses saw his relaxed approach as a lack of urgency. And these rants will only grow louder if they lose this one.