Dodger News: Dave Roberts Not Worried as Roki Sasaki Battles Spring Struggles for Dodgers
Dodgers look for answers as Roki Sasaki works through inconsistency and Gavin Stone is shut down with shoulder inflammation.
GLENDALE, AZ—Coming into camp, the starting rotation for the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers was seen as a significant strength for the 2026 season; however, that depth will be tested early.
Left-handed ace Blake Snell is unlikely to make the Opening Day roster after he and the team agreed to slow him down ramp-up this season after missing most of the regular season last year.
Right-hander Gavin Stone, who was working his way back from rehab after missing the entire 2025 season due to right shoulder surgery, also had a setback after reports of shoulder soreness, which imaging confirmed to be shoulder inflammation. Thus, his role for the Opening Day roster is now doubtful.
That means the Dodgers will need an arm or two to step up in their place, and one man they’re counting on is young Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki.
Sasaki, 24, is set to rejoin the Dodgers starting rotation after being demoted to the bullpen last October, a role he excelled at helping the Dodgers win the 2025 World Series.
Dodgers and Roberts Not Concerned
However, the organization still views Sasaki as a starter while acknowledging him as a work in progress, and that couldn’t be further from the truth, as Sasaki has struggled so far this spring.
After today’s start against the Cleveland Guardians, Sasaki’s ERA has climbed to 18.90 after allowing four runs in the first inning, thanks to a couple of walks, which led to a grand slam.
Roki would rebound the following two innings after being removed at the top of the first and re-entering the game in the second, tossing back-to-back 1-2-3 innings, but it was yet another frustrating day overall, with many on social media quick to panic.
Despite that, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts does not view Sasaki’s last two outings as concerning and expects him on the Opening Day roster in the starting rotation.
“ Well, there’s really no concerns. I don’t think there’s concerns. I just think there has to be continued progression. I do appreciate that he’s more open this year. He is voicing his thoughts, which I think is great. But I do think that he still needs to be coached, and he still needs to get those experiences. But I think really, there’s no concern. Just continuing to get better each time out.”
Sasaki will likely get two or three more appearances before the start of the regular season, but for the Dodgers’ sake, showing improvement will be imperative for early-season success.
Gavin Stone Suffers Setback
Whether or not the Dodgers incorporate a six-man rotation to start the season remains to be seen, but one name that won’t be joining it is Gavin Stone, who has been shut down from throwing after suffering right shoulder inflammation.
Stone has been out since August of 2024 due to a lingering shoulder injury that ultimately required season-ending surgery, and he made one Cactus League start this year before being shut down.
Stone was one of several pitchers being considered for a spot in the Dodgers Opening Day rotation in a group that also includes Roki Sasaki, River Ryan, and young left-hander Justin Wrobleski.
👉 More Dodgers Coverage:
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!ews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
