Dodgers News: Brandon Gomes Confirms Sasaki will Rejoin the Rotation in 2026

As expected, Sasaki will rejoin the Dodgers' starting rotation in 2026.

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TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 31: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts during the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game six of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on October 31, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA—Entering the 2025 season, there was an immense amount of hype (and pressure) for 23-year-old Japanese rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki, who was jumping over the Pacific to join Ohtani and Yamamoto on the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It was an up-and-down first impression in the States, as Sasaki would struggle throughout most of the 2025 regular season while also landing on the injured list with a right shoulder injury.

His rookie season was salvaged by the final month of the year, with the team needing reinforcements in the bullpen. Sasaki was the first man up for a role change heading into October.

Sasaki proved to be a key contributor in the bullpen, serving as the Dodgers’ de facto closer. He posted a 0.84 ERA over nine appearances and earned three saves, a role he had not previously experienced.

During the regular season, Sasaki posted a 1-1 record with a 4.72 ERA, 6.19 FIP, and 1.49 WHIP over eight starts. Opponents hit .225/.351/.411 against him, and he issued 22 walks in 34.1 innings.

Although Sasaki has shown promise in his new role, Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes stated at the General Manager Meetings in Las Vegas that Sasaki will go back to the starting rotation next season, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group.

Gomes reiterated that Roki Sasaki, one of the starters who emerged as a relief weapon, is “absolutely” going back to the rotation next season.

Sasaki’s position in the starting rotation next season is still uncertain. Although veteran left-hander Clayton Kershaw has retired, the rotation already includes five confirmed spots: Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and possibly Emmet Sheehan.

You also need to consider right-handers Gavin Stone and River Ryan returning from injury, as well as left-hander Justin Wrobleski, who was developed as a starter in the minor leagues this season.

Regardless of the Dodgers’ decision, Sasaki will remain under team control for five full seasons before he becomes eligible for free agency.

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