Dodgers Make Final Decision on Roki Sasaki’s Future as Edwin Diaz Sidelined With Bitter Blow

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Edwin Diaz’s sudden injury has forced the Dodgers to recalibrate the bullpen early in the season. And the General Manager has refused to pick the choice that some insiders thought to be the obvious one.

GM Brandon Gomes offered a one-word answer to the suggestion of Roki Sasaki being moved to the bullpen.

“No.”

Sasaki is the starting pitcher for the Dodgers, who has recorded a 6.11 ERA from 4 starts this season. He managed 17 strikeouts from 17.2 innings, allowing 21 hits and 12 runs. Although Los Angeles has a 16-6 record this season, Sasaki’s numbers aren’t the most commendable as an ace.

That’s why many assumed that he would be shifted to a different responsibility. However, the Dodgers aren’t really known for making “panic moves.”

Edwin Diaz had a concerning outing on April 19. He struggled with velocity and couldn’t manage to record an out. Diaz was initially put on a 15-day injury list. He will be going through an arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow.

The 32-year-old suffered with a 10.50 ERA in 2026, but the Dodgers chose to stick with him. However, the team needs to find a replacement since he is unlikely to make a return before the All-Star break.’

The injury at this time comes as a bitter blow for the Dodgers. The 2026 season is now reaching a critical stage, and Diaz was a significant offseason pitching investment. He signed a whopping three-year, $69 million contract. Diaz was brought in to anchor the bullpen, and losing such an arm for almost three months will force the franchise to change its plans.

Roki Sasaki signed a minor-league contract with the Dodgers in January 2025. But he was called up to join the active roster for the Tokyo Series in March. He started 8 out of 10 games with the LA side, recording a 4.46 ERA and 28Ks.