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The Los Angeles Dodgers have the best roster in all of baseball, and it isn’t particularly close. Even after winning back-to-back World Series titles, the Dodgers continue to stack their roster. Their dominance has been undeniable, and they have now made a decision on their Opening Day starter.
“Dave Roberts made it official— Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be Dodgers Opening Day starter March 26 v DBacks,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett wrote.
The Dodgers still have some things to figure out, including their starting rotation. One notable storyline is Roki Sasaki, who was used as a reliever during the playoffs and is now being converted back into a starter. The second-year pitcher has struggled this spring, but manager Dave Roberts has made it clear he will make the roster.
“Roki Sasaki was “electric” against hitters likely to spend their summer in Double-A. Dodgers seem committed to riding this roller coaster with Sasaki. Dave Roberts: “I just don’t see a world where he doesn’t break with us as a starter,” Plunkett wrote.
Sasaki has been at his best coming out of the bullpen, but that is not the direction the team is taking. He made another start on Tuesday, and once again, it did not go as planned.
“Roki Sasaki said he lost command when trying to work on his sinker in that third inning, causing his forearm to over-pronate. Wasn't able to make the adjustment until the next inning. Added through an interpreter that he wasn't concerned with his spring results (13.50 ERA),” The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya wrote.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to defend Sasaki’s performances this spring. He was a postseason hero, providing reliability when the team needed it most.
However, that success has not carried over into his role as a starter, which raises questions about the Dodgers’ current approach. Sasaki is beginning to walk a fine line, whether that means not making the Opening Day roster or facing a quick demotion to the minors.
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