Roki Sasaki starter conversation gets important update from Dodgers reporter

There has been some speculation surrounding the Los Angeles Dodgers regarding Roki Sasaki’s role as a starting pitcher, as the second-year pro has been struggling on the mound to begin his MLB career. Could the club move him to the bullpen? Or are they going to ride it out with Sasaki as a starter? From the sounds of it, one Dodgers reporter claims the team has no plans on moving Sasaki to the bullpen for now.

While guest appearing on “Foul Territory,” Katie Woo of The Athletic claims L.A. wants Sasaki to remain in the starting rotation because the franchise feels that is what is best for his long-term career. Essentially, the Dodgers want the 24-year-old right-hander to figure it out while swimming in the deep end.

“The Dodgers could change their mind when we move closer to the postseason because, as we saw, you really only need four starters, tops, in the postseason, three in the early rounds,” said Woo. “And that’s where Sasaki could really shine and help them come September. But this is May.

“The Dodgers believe that this is the course of action, again, for the long-term of Sasaki’s career,” continued Woo. “Finding and developing starting pitchers continues to be one of the hardest things you can do in the game. So, the Dodgers aren’t simply going to punt on who they believe could be a superstar for the rotation, even if Sasaki isn’t showing that right now.”

The Dodgers aren't going to punt on Roki Sasaki as a starter, says @KatieJWoo.

"Finding and developing starting pitchers continues to be one of the hardest things you can do in the game." pic.twitter.com/0xCeedZj7Y

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 12, 2026

While it’s been a slow start to Roki Sasaki’s career, he has flashed major potential at times with the Dodgers. Considering the club has won back-to-back World Series titles, the franchise seems open to the idea of giving the Japanese native the time he needs to learn and develop his game at the major league level.

Through seven starts so far this season, Sasaki owns a 5.88 ERA and 1.634 WHIP while totaling 31 strikeouts in 33.2 innings pitched. He’ll have another chance to prove himself and continue his development on either Saturday, May 16, or Sunday, May 17, during the Dodgers’ three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.

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