Overview
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Sasaki will open the season in the starting rotation.
- Sasaki posted a 13.50 ERA in Cactus League action and linked his command lapses to work on a new sinker, saying he is not concerned about the results.
- President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman characterized the decision as the 'last mile' of development best completed in the big leagues given the gap from Triple-A.
- The club plans to stick with him and monitor closely, with the willingness to act only if performance becomes a major concern.
- Though he excelled in a bullpen role late last year, team leaders reaffirm him as a starter as he expands his arsenal with a sinker and developing cutter/two-seam.