Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki said the Dodgers decided he wouldn’t play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Sasaki, 24, spent a majority of his time in 2026 on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement, and is the only one of the Dodgers’ three Japanese players they could prevent from participating in the tournament.

“That’s actually a team decision,” Sasaki said through a translator. “I’m just going to go focus on the season.”

Sasaki broke onto the scene during the last WBC, showcasing his 100-mph fastball in front of the whole world and instantly gaining the interest of MLB clubs. He posted a 3.52 ERA through two appearances, striking out 11 batters in 7.2 innings pitched.

How Did Roki Sasaki’s Rookie Season Go?

Sasaki signed with the Dodgers ahead of the 2025 season, and managed to make the Opening Day roster for the team after inking the minor league deal.

He made eight starts before landing on the injured list, though they didn’t go according to plan for the 24-year-old. He posted a 4.72 ERA during those outings, and managed just 24 strikeouts through 33.2 innings pitched.

The right-hander spent nearly five months on the injured list with his shoulder issue, but mad ea huge impact when he came back towards the end of the season. The rookie took on a new role in the bullpen upon his return, and closed the regular season with two scoreless performances in relief.

He remained on the Dodgers’ roster into the postseason, and continued posting goose eggs throughout the Dodgers’ World Series campaign. He recorded his first three MLB saves in the postseason, two of which came in the NLDS on the road against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Through his 11 appearances after returning, Sasaki allowed just one run and struck out 10 batters.

What Role Will Roki Sasaki Have in 2026?

While the Dodgers haven’t made an official announcement on what their rotation will look like next season, it’s safe to assume Sasaki will have a spot.

General manager Brandon Gomes talked about the possibility of having a six-man rotation next season, and stated Sasaki would “absolutely” return to a starting spot.

Sasaki himself also said he’d want a shot in the rotation again, and believes the Dodgers will give him the opportunity.

“They will let me try to start again next season,” Sasaki said, so moving to the bullpen “was a relatively easy decision to make.”

With Sasaki getting another shot in the rotation, keeping him well rested in order to last the full season is a safe play from the Dodgers. They’ll hope to have everyone full strength heading into the regular season, when they’ll challenge for yet another championship.