Dodgers Commit to Struggling Rookie Starter for Opening Day

Manager Dave Roberts says Roki Sasaki will make Dodgers' roster despite slow spring training

Mar. 11, 2026 at 4:33am

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have decided to keep rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki on their Opening Day roster, despite his struggles during spring training. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Sasaki, saying he "just doesn't see a world" where the young starter doesn't make the team, even though his velocity and performance have been underwhelming so far.

Why it matters

The Dodgers are betting big on Sasaki's potential, even as he has failed to recapture the electric stuff he showed late last season when he was a key contributor to their World Series run. This decision highlights the Dodgers' long-term view and willingness to be patient with young talent, even when the short-term results are disappointing.

The details

Sasaki, a rookie who joined the Dodgers from Japan, struggled mightily for much of the 2025 season before being moved to the bullpen, where he thrived and became a key part of the Dodgers' championship run. However, this spring he has reverted to the ineffective form he displayed earlier in his rookie campaign, leading some to question whether he would make the Dodgers' Opening Day roster. Despite this, manager Dave Roberts has reaffirmed the team's commitment to Sasaki as a starter, saying he expects the young pitcher to break camp with the big league club.

  • Sasaki had an 'electric' outing against minor league hitters during spring training on March 10, 2026.
  • The Dodgers open their 2026 season on March 26, 2026.

The players

Roki Sasaki

A rookie pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who had an up-and-down 2025 season but emerged as a key reliever during the Dodgers' World Series run.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has expressed unwavering confidence in Sasaki despite his struggles this spring.

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What they’re saying

“Roki Sasaki was 'electric' against hitters likely to spend their summer in Double-A. Dodgers seem committed to riding this roller coaster with Sasaki. Dave Roberts: 'I just don't see a world where he doesn't break with us as a starter.'”

— Bill Plunkett, Dodgers beat writer

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Sasaki's progress during the remainder of spring training, but Roberts has made it clear the team is committed to keeping him on the Opening Day roster as a starter.

The takeaway

The Dodgers' decision to stick with the struggling Sasaki highlights their long-term view and belief in his potential, even as he has failed to consistently replicate the dominant form he showed late last season. This move demonstrates the Dodgers' willingness to be patient with young talent and give them time to develop, rather than making knee-jerk reactions to short-term struggles.