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The Los Angeles Dodgers somehow managed to make the best roster in baseball even better at the MLB trade deadline. Yes, they have struggled to win games over the past week, but that doesn’t take away from how much elite talent they have.
Already loaded with stars, Los Angeles added two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, giving the club another ace atop what many already considered the most talented rotation in baseball. Yet despite all that talent, the Dodgers suddenly have a dilemma that few teams would complain about.
They may have too many deserving starting pitchers.
MORE: Shohei Ohtani vs. Pete Crow-Armstrong NL MVP race isn’t even a debate, & here’s why
May 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
A month ago, the answer seemed obvious. If the Dodgers needed to remove someone from the rotation once Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow returned from the injured list, Roki Sasaki appeared to be the logical choice.
While the 2nd-year pitcher has flashed elite potential in his first couple of seasons, inconsistency prevented him from firmly establishing himself.
That has changed dramatically since the All-Star break. Sasaki’s last four starts have been outstanding:
During that stretch, he’s posted a sparkling 1.88 ERA, looking every bit like the dominant pitcher the Dodgers envisioned when they brought him to Los Angeles.
MORE: Yankees’ Cam Schlittler is no longer 1st in the AL Cy Young race
May 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA;Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (right) is greeted in the dugout by manager Dave Roberts (left) after leaving the game during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
That’s where the Dodgers’ biggest “problem” begins.
When Snell and Glasnow return, the rotation could feature Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Justin Worbleski, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani (if his knee heals) and Roki Sasaki. That is 7 very capable, very deserving starting pitchers.
Someone, maybe even two starters, will have to move out of the rotation. Based on recent performance, Sasaki has made a compelling case that it shouldn’t be him. In fact, since the All-Star break, he’s arguably been the club’s best starting pitcher.
Of course, this is the type of problem every contender would love to have. Injuries are inevitable over a long season, and having more than 5 frontline-caliber starters gives Los Angeles unmatched depth entering October.
Still, if everyone is healthy when the postseason arrives, manager Dave Roberts will face one of the toughest pitching decisions in baseball. Thanks to Sasaki’s recent dominance, what once looked like an easy choice has suddenly become anything but.
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Already loaded with stars, Los Angeles added two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, giving the club another ace atop what many already considered the most talented rotation in baseball. Yet despite all that talent, the Dodgers suddenly have a dilemma that few teams would complain about.
They may have too many deserving starting pitchers.
MORE: Shohei Ohtani vs. Pete Crow-Armstrong NL MVP race isn’t even a debate, & here’s why
Roki Sasaki has changed the conversation
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May 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
A month ago, the answer seemed obvious. If the Dodgers needed to remove someone from the rotation once Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow returned from the injured list, Roki Sasaki appeared to be the logical choice.
While the 2nd-year pitcher has flashed elite potential in his first couple of seasons, inconsistency prevented him from firmly establishing himself.
That has changed dramatically since the All-Star break. Sasaki’s last four starts have been outstanding:
- 5.2 IP, 0 ER, 5 K
- 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 9 K
- 5.1 IP, 2 ER, 7 K
- 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 K
During that stretch, he’s posted a sparkling 1.88 ERA, looking every bit like the dominant pitcher the Dodgers envisioned when they brought him to Los Angeles.
MORE: Yankees’ Cam Schlittler is no longer 1st in the AL Cy Young race
Who loses their rotation spot?
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May 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA;Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (right) is greeted in the dugout by manager Dave Roberts (left) after leaving the game during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
That’s where the Dodgers’ biggest “problem” begins.
When Snell and Glasnow return, the rotation could feature Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Justin Worbleski, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani (if his knee heals) and Roki Sasaki. That is 7 very capable, very deserving starting pitchers.
Someone, maybe even two starters, will have to move out of the rotation. Based on recent performance, Sasaki has made a compelling case that it shouldn’t be him. In fact, since the All-Star break, he’s arguably been the club’s best starting pitcher.
Of course, this is the type of problem every contender would love to have. Injuries are inevitable over a long season, and having more than 5 frontline-caliber starters gives Los Angeles unmatched depth entering October.
Still, if everyone is healthy when the postseason arrives, manager Dave Roberts will face one of the toughest pitching decisions in baseball. Thanks to Sasaki’s recent dominance, what once looked like an easy choice has suddenly become anything but.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
