SAN DIEGO, Calif.—The Los Angeles Dodgers have been on a tear since they obtained Max Scherzer at the trade deadline. After seeing Mad Max up close for five starts, manager Dave Roberts has a new appreciation for the 37-year-old veteran. “He’s been huge. He’s been better than advertised,” Roberts said after Scherzer pitched 7 2/3 dominant innings to win his eighth straight decision and lead the surging Dodgers to a 4-0 win over the plunging San Diego Padres on Aug. 26 for a three-game sweep. “I knew that there was a work ethic and a fire, but I didn’t realize the preparation,” Roberts said. “He knows exactly what he wants to do when he takes that mound. He knows where the defense is at, he knows how to navigate a lineup and knows what stuff is working that particular night. To layer that all with the talent is pretty impressive.” …