Dodgers Urged to Move Roki Sasaki Back to Bullpen

Roki Sasaki’s performance in spring training was not very promising going into the 2026 season. And now, the Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander’s first three starts of the season have some urging the Dodgers to move Sasaki back to the bullpen.

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Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Sasaki missed the majority of his rookie regular season in 2025 with a shoulder injury. He posted a 4.72 ERA, walked 22 batters and gave up six home runs in eight starts before landing on the injured list in June.

Concerns about Sasaki’s readiness for MLB were on the rise then. But when Sasaki returned just in time for the Dodgers’ World Series postseason run and transitioned into a closer for Los Angeles, all the hype was back on Sasaki.

Sasaki only gave up one run throughout all 10.2 innings of his postseason outings. He also recorded two holds and converted all three of his save opportunities.

Despite his dominance as a reliever in the postseason, the Dodgers placed Sasaki back in the starting rotation for the 2026 season. Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke say Los Angeles needs to change how they are utilizing the second-year pitcher.

“They’ve got to put him back to where he found his greatest success, where his lack of a variety of pitches will not hurt him, where he can throw 100 mph for 20 pitches and save the team with his strength,” Plaschke wrote. “As last October showed everyone, the bullpen is where he belongs.”

Plaschke Says Dodgers Are Prioritizing Sasaki’s Desires

Sasaki told reporters he was willing to pitch out of the bullpen during the postseason to help the team but also because the Dodgers promised he would be a starter in 2026.

“Because they will let me try to start again next season, it was a relatively easy decision to make,” Sasaki said, per the Los Angeles Times.

Plaschke says the Dodgers are an organization that prioritizes the player. Sasaki was a starting pitcher for most of his career in Japan, and he still wants that role with the Dodgers.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has consistently said Sasaki will remain in the starting rotation. But if things do not start improving soon, the defending World Series champion could reconsider sending Sasaki back to the bullpen.

Photo Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

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