When Blake Snell returns, Dodgers should drop Roki Sasaki to minors
With Blake Snell nearing a return from the injured list, the Dodgers face a decision on their crowded rotation, and Roki Sasaki is the most likely candidate to be sent down. Despite Sasaki's potential, his struggles with velocity and command, especially on his fastball, have limited his effectiveness in the majors. Moving him to the minors could benefit both the team and Sasaki’s long-term development.
- ▪Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is close to returning from the injured list, forcing the Dodgers to adjust their starting rotation.
- ▪Roki Sasaki has a 5.97 ERA in six starts and has struggled to consistently locate or generate velocity on his fastball.
- ▪Justin Wrobleski has posted All-Star caliber numbers with a 1.25 ERA, making it difficult for the Dodgers to demote him despite rotation congestion.
- ▪Sasaki has acknowledged that his performance depends on his fastball and has expressed willingness to accept a minor-league assignment if needed.
- ▪Emmet Sheehan, another rotation candidate, has also been inconsistent but has shown flashes of his previous form this season.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Dylan Hernandez MLB When Blake Snell returns, Dodgers should drop Roki Sasaki to minors By Dylan Hernandez Published May 4, 2026, 7:00 a.m. ET The Dodgers have tried. They really have. They have extended Roki Sasaki chance after chance after chance. They have honored their part of their unspoken agreement with the former Japanese phenom. Now, with two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell close to being activated from the injured list, the Dodgers have to do what’s right — right for their team but also right for Sasaki. With two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell set to return soon, the Dodgers will need to reshuffle their starting rotation. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post They have to send Sasaki to the minor leagues.
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