Dodgers on Deck (4-1-26)
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The episode 'Dodgers on Deck (4-1-26)' from the Dodger Talk podcast provides a comprehensive pregame preview of the Los Angeles Dodgers' final game of their opening homestand against the Cleveland Guardians. Host Tim Cates sets the stage with a lively, energetic tone, highlighting the Dodgers' 4-1 start to the season and their recent success with three consecutive Japanese-born starting pitchers—Roki Sasaki, Shohei Otani, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto—marking a historic first in MLB. The episode dives into Otani’s impressive debut on the mound, where he pitched six shutout innings with six strikeouts, despite a muddy cleat issue. The discussion explores the Dodgers’ offensive struggles early in the season, with the top of the lineup hitting just .178, while the bottom of the order has carried the load with a .310 average. Manager Dave Roberts emphasizes patience and trust in the process, noting that the team’s ability to get on base and take walks remains strong. The episode also features insights from former MLB umpire Brian Gorman on the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, explaining how the strike zone is now based on a percentage of a player’s height, which has led to more challenges and adjustments. The pregame segment includes injury reports, a look at the pitching matchup between Yamamoto and Gavin Williams, and a nostalgic 'Dodger Magical Moment' featuring Clayton Kershaw’s first career home run on April 1, 2013. The episode is packed with sponsor plugs and promotional content for various brands, including Shakey’s Pizza, Cars for Kids, and Ford, while maintaining a celebratory tone around the Dodgers’ early-season momentum and historic milestones.
The Dodgers are 4-1 to start the 2026 season, with a historic first in MLB: three consecutive Japanese-born starters in a single series.
Shohei Otani made a dominant debut on the mound, pitching six shutout innings with six strikeouts and one hit allowed.
Despite offensive struggles at the top of the lineup, the Dodgers are excelling in high-leverage situations, hitting over .315 with runners in scoring position.
Manager Dave Roberts stresses patience and trust in the process, emphasizing that early-season results are magnified but not indicative of long-term performance.
The new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system is adjusting the strike zone based on player height, leading to more challenges and umpire adaptation.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening Promos and Season Kickoff
The episode begins with a series of promotional segments for other podcasts, including NFL Daily, The Clifford Show, Games With Names, The Away End, and Math & Magic, before transitioning into the Dodgers on Deck pregame show.
Historic Japanese Pitching Streak
“Three Japanese starters in a row. You know, and this is history. It has not been done in which you have three Japanese-born starters pitching in the same series, starting in the same series, and that's what is happening right now.”
Shohei Otani's Dominant Debut
“Shohei Otani, six shutout innings, six strikeouts, one hit at the plate last night on base three times. A couple of walks, one for three with the base hit, now hitting 200 on this season.”
Manager Dave Roberts on Team Process
“I think it's just kind of stay the course and we're getting the guys off the field today. No batting practice on the field. giving guys time to reset a little bit...”
ABS System and Umpire Insights
“The strike zone has changed a little bit in that sense that the parameters are a little different. It's 57.5% of the player's height on the upper end, 25% on the lower end.”
“Shohei Otani, six shutout innings, six strikeouts, one hit at the plate last night on base three times. A couple of walks, one for three with the base hit, now hitting 200 on this season.”
“Three Japanese starters in a row. You know, and this is history. It has not been done in which you have three Japanese-born starters pitching in the same series, starting in the same series, and that's what is happening right now.”
“The strike zone has changed a little bit in that sense that the parameters are a little different. It's 57.5% of the player's height on the upper end, 25% on the lower end.”
Host
Guests
Los Angeles Dodgers
other
Shohei Otani
person
Cleveland Guardians
other
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
person
Dave Roberts
person
Automated Ball-Strike System
other
Brian Gorman
person
Kirsten Watson
person
Tim Cates
person
Morongo Casino
brand
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