Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed right-hander Roki Sasaki will hold a starting role once again to begin the 2026 season.
Sasaki began his MLB career as a starter last season, making eight starts before landing on the injured list, but entered a full-time role in the bullpen at the back end of the season and into the postseason. He expected to be a starter at the beginning of 2026 as well, but recent performances have called that into question.
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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.”
Through his eight starts last season, Sasaki had a 4.72 ERA through 34.1 innings pitched while striking out just 24 batters. He fared much better in his role in the bullpen, allowing just a single run through 12.2 innings pitched.
His spring has been rocky, having struggled in both of his brief starts so far in the Cactus League. He allowed three earned runs in 1.1 innings pitched during his first start of the spring against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and had an especially rough time against the Cleveland Guardians in his second outing of the year.
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Sasaki allowed four earned runs to start the game without recording an out, and ultimately left the game. He returned in the second inning, though, and prevented any further damage while recording two strikeouts.
The 24-year-old will make his next appearance at Camelback Ranch in a simulated game on the minor league side of the complex Tuesday.
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
What are the Dodgers’ Other Starting Options?
As far as starters go, the Dodgers have plenty of choices — just not to start off the season.
Blake Snell is yet to resume pitching off of a mound following a lingering injury he’s been dealing with this offseason, Shohei Ohtani is yet to pitch in a formal game this year and Gavin Stone suffered a minor setback which will keep him out for a couple of weeks.
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With those three out, the Dodgers’ current starter pool consists of Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, River Ryan and Emmet Sheehan along with Sasaki.
The Dodgers could have a five-man rotation with those pitchers, and could expand to a six-man rotation — much like last year’s — once their other stars return if they see fit.
Do you think Roki Sasaki will stay in the rotation for the full year?