Dodgers' Dave Roberts says $6M postseason hero with 13.50 ERA will make Opening Day rotation

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Dodgers' Dave Roberts says $6M postseason hero with 13.50 ERA will make Opening Day rotation originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Dodgers won their second consecutive World Series title in 2025, and their goal remains the same heading into 2026. One of the biggest surprises late last season was how Roki Sasaki responded after being moved to the bullpen.

“I genuinely thought we wouldn't see Roki Sasaki return in 2025... I figured they'd just shut him down and try again in 2026. He's seriously the reliever I trust the most right now and he should be the closer moving forward. He's looked flat out untouchable since returning,” Dodgers beat writer Blake Harris wrote.

Entering the spring, the biggest question was whether Sasaki would return to the rotation or remain in the bullpen. The Dodgers are moving forward with him as a starter, but he did not have a strong spring.

“Roki Sasaki said he lost command when trying to work on his sinker in that third inning, causing his forearm to over-pronate. Wasn't able to make the adjustment until the next inning. Added through an interpreter that he wasn't concerned with his spring results (13.50 ERA),” The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya wrote.

Despite the struggles, it appears the Dodgers will stick with him—at least to begin the season. Manager Dave Roberts made it clear that Sasaki will be part of the rotation.

“Asked Dave Roberts this week if Roki Sasaki was one of Dodgers best 13 pitchers this spring. "He is going to start the season in the rotation," Roberts said,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett wrote.

The Dodgers are prepared to roll with Sasaki until his performance becomes a major concern. Los Angeles is aiming to win its third straight World Series, and Sasaki is expected to play a key role in that pursuit.

Sasaki spent much of last season in the minors after his initial plans as a starter did not work out. If he struggles again, it could be déjà vu for the second-year pitcher.

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• Phillies could part ways with $6M gritty fan favorite, 2-time Gold Glove finalist, and Alec Bohm​

• Dodgers predicted to trade for $13M darkhorse Cy Young candidate amid Roki Sasaki's struggles​

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• Dodgers' $6M hero raises concerns after brutal spring despite Dave Roberts' Opening Day stance​

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• Braves reporter sounds alarm on Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez in Spring Training​

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