Exclusive | Dave Roberts reveals Dodgers status as MLB trade deadline looms: Always kicking the tires

PHILADELPHIA – Dave Roberts understood that what he was about to say would sound crazy.He still said it.“I could almost argue that we’re sellers more than buyers,” Roberts told The California Post.The Dodgers have a chance to win their third consecutive World Series championship.They’re down multiple players.They could theoretically strike deals before the Aug.3 trade deadline for players such as Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan or Mason Miller.And Roberts is talking about the Dodgers being sellers?Well, yeah.“Personally, I don’t see any glaring needs,” Roberts said.

“I really don’t.”The uncertainty that emerged in recent days didn’t change that.Not the indefinite break Shohei Ohtani is taking from pitching.Not the still-unclear timeline for catcher Will Smith’s return. “Our expectation is that Will is going to be back,” Roberts said.And if Smith doesn’t come back, the Dodgers are prepared to go into the playoffs with Dalton Rushing as their starting catcher.

Rushing has been the Dodgers’ primary backstop over the six-plus weeks Smith has missed with an inflamed disc in his neck.“Obviously, we feel good with Dalton,” Roberts said.Which isn’t to say the Dodgers won’t engage other teams.They could reinforce the periphery of their roster.

They could pick up a backup catcher.They could trade for a reliever.

Or, maybe, just maybe, they could even find a starting pitcher or catcher at a bargain price they couldn’t refuse.“I think we’re always kicking the tires,” Roberts said.Just don’t expect a big move. Don’t expect Skubal to walk through the clubhouse doors anytime soon.Before the Dodgers opened their three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday, Ohtani long-tossed and played catch in the outfield at Citizens Bank Park.Just as he did the day before at Yankee Stadium between the two games of a doubleheader.While Roberts said he still didn’t know when Ohtani might return to the rotation, he said the two-...