Dodgers’ Dave Roberts confirms the $6 million postseason hero will make the Opening Day roster despite an initial slow spring from The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series for the second consecutive year last season. The Dodgers are undoubtedly the best team in baseball, but the Toronto Blue Jays gave them everything they could handle. One name that was a disappointment for much of last year’s season was rookie Roki Sasaki. Many have lost faith in Sasaki returning to the major league level.
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“The Dodgers can no longer count on rookie Rakuki Sasaki to help them down the stretch. His velocity is nowhere near the 102 mph he threw in Japan. He threw 59 fastballs in two rehab starts and produced just one swing error,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.
However, the Dodgers decided to move him to the bullpen, a move that changed the complexion of his season.
“I really thought we wouldn’t see Roki Sasaki return in 2025… I figured they would just shut him down and try again in 2026. He’s really my most trusted reliever right now and he should be closer moving forward. He’s looked simply untouchable since returning,” Dodgers beat writer Blake Harris wrote.
During spring training, Sasaki slowly transformed into a struggling version of last year. This left many wondering if he would make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed those concerns on Tuesday.
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“Rocky Sasaki was ‘electric’ against hitters who will likely spend the summer in Double-A. The Dodgers appear committed to riding the roller coaster with Sasaki. Dave Roberts: “I just don’t think he’s going to crack with us as a starter,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett wrote.
The Dodgers are excited about Sasaki, in large part because he’s under team control for the next few years. It’s somewhat surprising that the Dodgers haven’t explored what his role as a reliever might become.
A big part of that is because the Dodgers bullpen is healthier than it was last October when Sasaki went on his memorable run. Roberts will continue to show faith in the young starter.
