Report: Dave Roberts, Gabe Kapler top candidates for Dodgers manager

It seems that the race may be down to Gabe Kapler and Dave Roberts.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have not officially narrowed the list of interviewees for their managerial opening, but it seems that the race may be down to Gabe Kapler and Dave Roberts, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Kapler, who is currently the Dodgers director of player development, became the favorite for the job almost immediately after Don Mattingly was fired following the team’s loss to the New York Mets in the National League Divisional Series.

Kapler, 40, played with six teams during his 12-season Major League career. He spent the 2009 and 2010 season with the Tampa Bay Rays, when Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman was part of the Rays front office. He has no experience as a manager.

After a very strong interview, San Diego Padres bench coach Dave Roberts has also emerged as a top candidate, and may have actually passed Kapler as the team’s first choice. Roberts, 43, played 10 seasons in the majors, including 302 games with the Dodgers. He managed one game for the Padres last season.

Heyman reports that former Los Angeles Angel and current Nebraska head coach Darin Erstad, Mets bench coach Bob Geren and Chicago Cubs bench coach Davey Martinez are also under consideration. Bud Black, Kirk Gibson, Ron Roenicke and Tim Wallach have also been interviewed.

Mattingly said last week that he expects Wallach to join him in Miami.

•Report: Nexen Heroes accept $12.85 million posting fee for Byung-ho Park