Los Angeles Dodgers flamethrower Roki Sasaki isn't afraid of a profound role change. Sasaki pulled off an unthinkable transformation in 2025, re-sculpting his identity into an electric closer after spending almost the entire season as a frustrated starter. It wouldn't surprise anyone to see LA keep Sasaki in the closer role heading into his sophomore MLB season, but the Dodgers reportedly aren't going to do that.
To begin 2026, Sasaki will re-claim his original role as a starting pitcher, according to a new report from MLB.com's Brian Murphy, who cited comments made to The Orange County Register by both Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman regarding Sasaki.