LOS ANGELES DODGERS PRIORITIZE ROOKIE SAKASI’S HEALTH, KEEPING HIM OUT OF WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC

The Los Angeles Dodgers are focusing on building a championship-contending team for the 2026 season, aiming for their third consecutive World Series title. While the team boasts a powerful pitching staff with World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani, the management, led by team president Andrew Friedman, is also counting on Roki Sasaki to make a big impact this year. However, the Dodgers have made a decision to keep Sasaki out of the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), despite the star pitcher being eligible to play for Japan.

SASAKI’S EXCLUSION FROM WBC: A CAREFUL MOVE FOR THE DODGERS

Sasaki, who was a sensation in Japan and is a promising young talent, missed much of the 2025 season recovering from surgery on his right shoulder. Given the injury concerns, the Dodgers have opted to keep Sasaki off the Japanese WBC roster, and the decision came directly from the team. According to Sasaki, it was the Dodgers’ decision to not allow him to participate in the tournament.

Sasaki, however, has no complaints about the decision. He understands that the Dodgers are prioritizing his long-term health, particularly after his shoulder surgery, over his participation in the WBC. “I understand that they just want to protect my health,” Sasaki said. The team’s decision underscores their caution as Sasaki aims to establish himself in Major League Baseball.

SASAKI’S ROLE WITH THE DODGERS: EXPECTATIONS FOR 2026

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While Sasaki will not compete in the WBC, the Dodgers have big plans for him in 2026. He has been slated to be the No. 5 starter in the team’s rotation, a crucial role for a young pitcher trying to prove himself against Major League hitters. Sasaki is known for his dominant fastball and splitter, but his pitching arsenal remains somewhat limited, making his health and development even more important for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers have a vested interest in ensuring that Sasaki doesn’t overexert himself early in the season, especially after his shoulder surgery. The team has communicated to him that they are concerned with protecting his arm health, and that they want to avoid any additional stress on his shoulder while he adjusts to the MLB level. Sasaki’s participation in the WBC would have risked additional strain, which is something the Dodgers want to avoid, especially during the early part of his career.

DODGERS CLOSELY MONITORING SASAKI’S PROGRESS

Sasaki will remain with the team throughout spring training, where the Dodgers’ medical staff will monitor his condition closely. Being with the team for spring training gives the Dodgers an opportunity to assess any pain or discomfort that Sasaki might feel on a daily basis, ensuring that he is ready for the 2026 season without risking further injury.

While Sasaki won’t be playing in the WBC, the Dodgers have made it clear that their primary concern is ensuring his health for the long haul. This decision speaks to the team’s commitment to protecting their players and ensuring that their young stars are able to contribute at the highest level when it counts the most—during the regular season and postseason.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE DODGERS’ 2026 SEASON

With Sasaki in the mix as the No. 5 starter, the Dodgers’ pitching rotation looks even stronger for 2026. Adding Yamamoto and Ohtani to an already deep staff, the team is looking poised for another World Series run. Sasaki’s development as a pitcher is a key piece of that puzzle, and his ability to stay healthy and adjust to Major League hitting will be critical for the Dodgers’ success.

As the team focuses on the upcoming season, the decision to keep Sasaki out of the WBC will likely pay dividends in the long term, allowing him to fully recover and refine his skills without rushing his development. With the Dodgers’ strong rotation and deep lineup, the team is shaping up to be a formidable contender in the 2026 season, and Sasaki’s health will be a crucial factor in their pursuit of another World Series title.