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Dodgers' Roki Sasaki Secures Rotation Spot Despite Struggles

3/25/2026

Summary

Sasaki's Starting Struggles

Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers' 24-year-old pitcher, will start the season in the rotation after posting a 15.58 ERA and 15 walks in 8 2/3 spring innings.
In his final spring outing against the Angels, he walked six and allowed five runs without recording an out.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Sasaki's potential and noted the need for immediate improvement.
The Dodgers remain committed to Sasaki's development; Justin Wrobleski could take over if he struggles.

Summary

Dodgers' Rotation Strategy

The Dodgers will implement a six-man rotation to manage pitcher workloads at the season's start.
The plan follows injuries to Blake Snell and Gavin Stone.
Roki Sasaki remains in the rotation after a spring in which he struggled to develop a third pitch.
Justin Wrobleski will be the primary reliever.
River Ryan was optioned to the minors after Tommy John surgery.

History

Historical Context

In 1973, Major League Baseball implemented the designated hitter rule in the American League, with Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees becoming the first to fill this role. This change transformed roster management and pitching strategies, a trend that continues today as teams, like the Dodgers, adapt to pitcher workloads and injuries, emphasizing player health and performance in the evolving game.

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Sasaki's Starting Struggles

Roki Sasaki, the Dodgers' 24-year-old pitcher, will start the season in the rotation after posting a 15.58 ERA and 15 walks in 8 2/3 spring innings.
In his final spring outing against the Angels, he walked six and allowed five runs without recording an out.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Sasaki's potential and noted the need for immediate improvement.
The Dodgers remain committed to Sasaki's development; Justin Wrobleski could take over if he struggles.

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