Dodgers Unveil Pitching Plans for Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki

Manager Dave Roberts discusses expected schedules for the star pitchers ahead of the 2026 season.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has outlined the team's pitching plans for Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki ahead of the 2026 MLB season. Roberts said the Dodgers will likely use a six-man rotation to start the year, with the expectation that Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki will each pitch once per week.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are looking to balance the workloads of their three star pitchers, who will all be participating in the World Baseball Classic this spring. Careful management of their schedules will be crucial to keeping them healthy and effective throughout the season.

The details

Roberts noted that Ohtani will only serve as a designated hitter for Team Japan in the WBC, while Yamamoto is expected to be their ace. Sasaki, who showed durability issues after shifting to the bullpen late last season, will also need to be monitored closely. The Dodgers' schedule includes four off-days in April, which should help them manage the pitchers' workloads.

  • The Dodgers' pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout of 2026 Spring Training on Friday, February 13.
  • Position players will join the team on Tuesday, February 18.

The players

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Shohei Ohtani

A star pitcher and designated hitter for the Dodgers who will be playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

A top pitcher for the Dodgers who is expected to be the ace of the Samurai Japan staff in the World Baseball Classic.

Roki Sasaki

A promising young pitcher for the Dodgers who showed durability issues after shifting to the bullpen late last season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (and Roki Sasaki early in the year) were basically once-a-week starters for most of the season. That is likely to continue in '26.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager (Bill Plunkett, Southern California News Group)

What’s next

The Dodgers will monitor the pitchers' workloads and performances closely during Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic to determine the best way to manage their rotations at the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Dodgers are taking a proactive approach to managing the workloads of their three star pitchers, Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, in order to keep them healthy and effective throughout the 2026 season.