Dodgers’ Sasaki Eyes Starting Role, Faces Spring Training Test After World Series Appearance
PHOENIX, AZ – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, fresh off a stellar performance in the World Series, is poised to transition back into a starting role for the 2026 season. This decision, confirmed by Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes and President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, marks a shift in strategy for the Japanese right-hander, who excelled as a reliever during the team’s championship run. However, a recent spring training outing revealed some early challenges as Sasaki adjusts back to a starting pitcher’s workload. The Dodgers are banking on Sasaki’s potential to be a key component of their pitching staff as they aim to defend their title.
Sasaki, who signed with the Dodgers in January 2025, quickly became a valuable asset in the postseason. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was instrumental in the Dodgers’ World Series victory. The team initially utilized Sasaki out of the bullpen to help him regain his pitching form after his transition to Major League Baseball. Friedman explained that the bullpen role was specifically designed to allow Sasaki to rebuild his mechanics, a process that appears to have been successful. “For us, it was about getting him back to throwing the ball the way he’s capable of,” Friedman stated, as reported by ETtoday. “I consider we’ve made a lot of progress in that regard. We absolutely view him as a starting pitcher, a very good starting pitcher, and we’ll continue to operate this offseason to get him ready to go in spring training and help us win again.”
Spring Training Struggles and the Road Ahead
Despite the optimistic outlook, Sasaki’s first spring training start presented some hurdles. Reports indicate a difficult outing where he struggled with command, resulting in a high pitch count and a concerning earned run average. According to multiple sources, including 自由體育, Sasaki’s ERA ballooned to over 20 during the outing. He was unable to complete more than 1.1 innings, highlighting the challenges of transitioning back to a starting role. His struggles with control were also evident, as he failed to reach a 50% first-pitch strike rate.
The Dodgers, however, are not overly concerned by this initial setback. They recognize that building stamina and refining command are integral parts of the process for any pitcher transitioning back into a starting role. Sasaki’s impressive arsenal, featuring a fastball approaching 99 mph (approximately 159.3 km/h) and a sharp forkball, continues to draw praise from coaches, and teammates. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior lauded Sasaki’s “Good” stuff, noting the increased velocity and overall power in his pitches, as reported by 自由體育. This positive feedback suggests that the underlying talent remains intact, and the coaching staff is confident in his ability to overcome the early spring training challenges.
A Highly Anticipated Arrival and Initial MLB Experience
Sasaki’s arrival in Major League Baseball was highly anticipated. Prior to signing with the Dodgers, he was considered one of the most promising pitchers outside of the MLB system. He made his MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs in April 2025, showcasing his potential with a blazing fastball and a deceptive forkball. However, control issues plagued his initial outings, with 22 walks in 34.1 innings pitched and a 4.72 ERA across eight starts. His swing-and-miss rate of just 20% further underscored the need for refinement. The Dodgers’ strategy of utilizing him in the bullpen was, a calculated move to address these concerns.
The Dodgers invested $6.5 million in Sasaki as a signing bonus, as reported by 新唐人电视台, demonstrating their belief in his long-term potential. Sasaki himself expressed excitement about joining the team and collaborating with established stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He emphasized the stability of the Dodgers’ management as a key factor in his decision, stating, “I wasn’t concerned about whether the team had Japanese players. Ohtani and Yamamoto are both excellent players. The other players are also very talented. I’m looking forward to playing with them, but first, I need to work hard to establish myself on the major league stage.”
Impact of World Series Performance and Future Outlook
Sasaki’s performance in the 2025 World Series further solidified his value to the Dodgers. He appeared in crucial situations, delivering effective relief pitching and contributing to the team’s championship victory. This postseason experience provided him with valuable exposure to the intensity of MLB playoff baseball and helped him build confidence. The Dodgers’ decision to prioritize his development as a starter reflects their long-term vision for the young pitcher.
The Dodgers’ spring training schedule will be crucial in evaluating Sasaki’s progress. The coaching staff will focus on refining his command, building his stamina, and ensuring he is fully prepared to handle the demands of a starting role. While his recent spring training outing raised some concerns, the Dodgers remain optimistic about his potential to become a cornerstone of their pitching staff. The team’s commitment to his development, coupled with Sasaki’s undeniable talent, suggests that he is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the 2026 season.
Unfortunately, due to his spring training struggles and the need for further development, Sasaki will be unable to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. This decision, while disappointing for fans eager to see him represent Japan on the international stage, allows the Dodgers to prioritize his long-term health and readiness for the MLB season.
The Dodgers will continue to monitor Sasaki’s progress throughout spring training, with his next scheduled start providing another opportunity to assess his readiness for the regular season. Fans can expect further updates on his development as the team prepares for its title defense. The Dodgers’ success in 2026 will undoubtedly hinge, in part, on Sasaki’s ability to successfully transition back into a starting role and fulfill his immense potential.
What are your thoughts on Sasaki’s transition to a starting role? Share your predictions for his 2026 season in the comments below!