Dodgers' Dave Roberts confirms $6M postseason hero will make Opening Day roster despite slow spring

The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series for the second consecutive year last season. The Dodgers were undoubtedly the best team in baseball, but the Toronto Blue Jays gave them all they could handle. A disappointing name for much of the season last year was rookie Roki Sasaki. Many people lost faith in Sasaki being called back up to the major league level.

“The Dodgers no longer can count on rookie Roki Sasaki helping them down the stretch. His velocity is nowhere near the 102 mph he threw in Japan. He has thrown 59 fastballs through his two rehab starts, and has generated only one swing-and-miss,” Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote.

However, the Dodgers decided to move him into the bullpen, and it was a move that changed the complexion of his season.

“I genuinely thought we wouldn't see Roki Sasaki return in 2025... I figured they'd just shut him down and try again in 2026. He's seriously the reliever I trust the most right now and he should be the closer moving forward. He's looked flat out untouchable since returning,” Dodgers beat writer Blake Harris wrote.

During Spring Training, Sasaki has slowly become the struggling version of himself that he displayed last year. It has caused several people to wonder if he will make the Dodgers' Opening Day roster. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts put those questions to rest on Tuesday.

“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,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett wrote.

The Dodgers are excited about Sasaki, which is largely due to him being under team control for years to come. It is somewhat surprising that the Dodgers are not exploring what his role as a reliever could become.

A big part of that is the Dodgers' bullpen is healthier than it was last October when Sasaki went on his unforgettable run. Roberts is going to continue showing confidence in the young starter.