Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Goodyear Ballpark.
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Roki Sasaki will be a starter next season, and he showed why in his start Tuesday.
The right-hander split time between the rotation and the bullpen in 2026, with most of his success coming with the latter. While he looked good as the team’s closer during the postseason, Roberts put any discussion of him remaining a reliever to bed.
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“I don’t see a world in which Roki Sasaki doesn’t [open the season] as a starter,” Roberts said, per The LA Times’ Jack Vita. “…I guess I’m betting on the performance to continue to trend up, to be good enough, and to only get better with the talent that he has and the work that he’s put in.”
Mar 3, 2026; Goodyear, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Sasaki made a start for the Dodgers’ minor league camp Tuesday, and showed why the Dodgers have so much faith in him during the outing. After allowing a hit to lead off the game, Sasaki struck out six batters straight. He pitched a total of four innings, and allowed just one hit while striking out a total of nine batters.
This is a vast improvement from his previous two spring training starts, where he allowed a total of seven runs through 3.1 innings pitched.
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Sasaki made eight starts during the 2025 season, posting a 4.72 ERA through 34.1 innings pitched. He landed on the injury list shortly after his eight starts and transitioned to the bullpen afterwards.
The Dodgers will hope Sasaki will continue to trend upwards as the season nears, as he is clearly going to be in the picture come Opening Day.
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