Dodgers on Deck (3-31-26)
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The episode of 'Dodger Talk' on March 31, 2026, kicks off with a pregame build-up for the Los Angeles Dodgers' game two against the Cleveland Guardians, following a 4-2 loss in the series opener. Host Tim Cates sets the tone with a gloomy, overcast atmosphere at Dodger Stadium, highlighting the excitement around Shohei Otani's long-awaited 2026 regular-season pitching debut and the sellout crowd for Yoshi Bobblehead Night. The show dives into the Dodgers' early-season struggles at the plate, with key hitters like Otani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman collectively hitting just .186, while emphasizing that one loss doesn’t signal crisis mode. Manager Dave Roberts and players like Max Muncy offer insights on resilience, team chemistry, and the importance of routine, especially after the emotional high of back-to-back World Series titles. The episode also features deep dives into the pitching matchup between Otani and Guardians’ Tanner Bybee, with praise for the Dodgers’ bullpen resurgence—especially Tanner Scott’s dominant early form—and optimism about Otani’s Cy Young aspirations. Throughout, the show blends game-day energy with reflections on legacy, preparation, and the enduring magic of baseball.
Shohei Otani is poised for a historic 2026 season, with a clear goal of winning the Cy Young Award and a strong start to his pitching campaign.
The Dodgers’ offense is struggling early, but the team remains confident—this is just the beginning of a long season.
Tanner Scott has transformed from a disappointing 2025 to a dominant force in the bullpen, showing improved mechanics and mental focus.
The Dodgers’ bullpen is now a strength, with Edwin Diaz, Blake Trinan, and others providing high-leverage stability.
Max Muncy reflects on his mentorship under Stephen Vogt and the emotional weight of returning to Toronto for a World Series rematch.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Podcast Promos and Intro
The episode opens with a series of promotional segments for other iHeartRadio podcasts, including NFL Daily, The Away End, Earn Your Leisure, Soccer Moms, and The Clifford Show, setting a broad media context before transitioning to Dodgers coverage.
Game One Recap and Dodgers’ Early Struggles
A detailed breakdown of the Dodgers’ 4-2 loss to the Guardians in game one, including Roki Sasaki’s shaky start, Justin Robleski’s blown relief, and the Guardians’ timely hitting. The episode emphasizes the team’s poor run production despite matching hits.
Shohei Otani’s Season Debut and Cy Young Hopes
“He wants to be in the conversation to win a Cy Young. And so when you look at all of these things he's putting his mind to this season, he is someone who has always expected just greatness.”
Bullpen Transformation and Tanner Scott’s Redemption
“He's had three appearances, three shutout appearances this season. Even, you know, how this stuff looks. Last year, Dave Roberts talked about how... He felt like Tanner was being a bit predictable this offseason.”
Max Muncy’s Reflections and World Series Legacy
“When you're able to take care of business and come home with a trophy, you feel like that place holds a special place in your heart forever.”
“If you look at what Otani's done over his career as a pitcher, his best year as a pitcher was in 2022 when he went 15-9 with an ERA of 2.33 and 28 starts. If he does that this year... To me, there's no doubt that the writers will give him the Cy Young Award.”
“He's over 30 years old now. He's had two elbow surgeries already, and this just seems to be the perfect storm and the perfect convergence of different things that would allow him to make a run at the Cy Young Award.”
“He wants to be in the conversation to win a Cy Young. And so when you look at all of these things he's putting his mind to this season, he is someone who has always expected just greatness.”
Host
Guests
Los Angeles Dodgers
other
Shohei Otani
person
Dodger Stadium
other
Cleveland Guardians
other
Dave Roberts
person
Yoshi Bobblehead
other
Morongo Casino
other
Max Muncy
person
Tanner Scott
person
David Vasseo
person
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