While Sasaki made some big-time saves during 2025 postseason run to another World Series championship, he returns to his more 'native' place in the rotation.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will open spring training games with a Feb. 21 contest against the Los Angeles Angels. Could Roki Sasaki get the first start for the Dodgers?
Sasaki will be back in the starting rotation this season after pulling off some magic as a pseudo closer for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in 2025. Sasaki's work proved pivotal in helping the Dodgers win a second straight World Series championship in defeating the Toronto Blue Jays.
If people just looked at Sasaki's numbers as a starter last year, though, they might raise their collective noses and think he's not that good.
But Sasaki had to deal with a right shoulder impingement, which kept him sidelined for some time. His numbers as a starter were 1-1 with a 4.46 ERA, 28 strikeouts, and a 1.43 WHIP.
What about his postseason numbers? Well, just sit right down because these were incredible numbers, showing just what he can do when healthy.
In 10 2/3 innings, Sasaki recorded three saves with a ridiculously good 0.84 ERA. Sasaki allowed six hits and just one earned run in his work. He struck out six and walked five when he was on the mound late in ballgames. Sasaki pitched in nine postseason games. He also posted a 1.03 WHIP for his postseason work.
To say that Sasaki didn't have a positive effect on the Dodgers' pitching situation last season would be a laughable thought.
Los Angeles had no interest in keeping Sasaki in the bullpen going into this season. Thankfully, Roberts can pick up the bullpen phone in the Dodgers' dugout and call on Edwin Díaz to save games this season.
So, Sasaki joins Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and other Dodgers pitchers in the starting rotation this season. Hopefully, Sasaki can stay healthy and produce postseason numbers when he takes the mound for his regular turn in the rotation.
One thing to watch for this season, though, is just how healthy can Sasaki stay. He doesn't want to be out for any length of time due to injury. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior will keep his eyes on Sasaki's approach this season.
Here's hoping Sasaki has a big bounce-back season.
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