Overview
- General manager Brandon Gomes said Sasaki is a starter, citing strong bullpen velocity and offseason work on a cutter and two-seam.
- Manager Dave Roberts reiterated that Sasaki must add a third pitch that moves the other way, noting he will get a look as a fifth or sixth starter.
- World Baseball Network reports Sasaki will skip the World Baseball Classic to stay in Glendale and build up as a starter, following earlier uncertainty highlighted by MLB Network’s Jon Morosi.
- Sasaki’s rookie year included a shoulder impingement and diminished velocity before a late bullpen return that yielded three postseason saves and a 0.84 ERA.
- The Dodgers’ heavy investment heightens expectations as differing accounts persist over who identified his delivery fix, reflecting ongoing communication challenges.