Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki has not been included on Team Japan’s roster for the World Baseball Classic.
According to a Yahoo News Topics report, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman met with Team Japan’s manager Hirokazu Ibata, during which Sasaki’s exclusion from the roster was requested.
The report claims that Sasaki’s absence was requested during the meeting.
“Sasaki has had a history of injuries this season, and the team reserves the right to suspend his participation in the WBC,” a source in the story said.
During an interview with Japanese TV earlier in the offseason, manager Dave Roberts expressed doubt over Sasaki playing in the tournament.