One of the big decisions made within the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ roster was precisely Roki Sasaki‘s choice not to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic with Team Japan, focusing instead on the MLB season-especially to protect his health, knowing he came off shoulder surgery last year and currently doesn’t seem to be in top form.
A Spring Training that could be decisive for Roki Sasaki
At least that’s what the Japanese pitcher hints at after his participation in MLB Spring Training, where he’s already been roughed up in two games.
In his first appearance, he allowed three runs after giving up three hits and two walks in 1 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks-the most concerning part being that only 17 of his 36 pitches were strikes, raising concerns about his command and control.
In a second outing, the worrying situation resurfaced for manager Dave Roberts: Sasaki worked two innings but surrendered a grand slam and three walks, further inflating his spring ERA.
Though it’s preseason, in Spring Training 2026 Sasaki has pitched 3.1 innings while allowing seven runs for an 18.90 ERA-numbers that could put him on thin ice given the Dodgers’ World Series aspirations and plans for the upcoming campaign.
Some fans believe Roki Sasaki might not even pitch again in Major League Baseball, but the truth is that the role he was given in the 2025 MLB postseason (as a reliever) could be the best thing for him heading into next season.
Patience might be minimal in a franchise with sky-high expectations and eyes on a World Series three-peat, so Sasaki could be sent back to the bullpen-though with limitations, and if he starts struggling, he might even be optioned to the minor leagues.
Dave Roberts will definitely have to make a decision, because the numbers so far are far from encouraging for the Japanese pitching prospect and the Dodgers rotation.
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