Dodgers Must Make Difficult Rotation Decision When Blake Snell Returns

Dodgers Said Sasaki Will Stay in Rotation

Sasaki and Sheehan are battling for the sixth spot in the rotation when Snell returns.

Both have made five starts this season, with Sasaki posting a 6.35 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 22.2 innings and Sheehan accruing a 4.78 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 26.1 innings.

On paper, Sheehan has been performing better for longer starts than Sasaki. However, Roberts said the decision about who will remain in the rotation is not solely based on results but also the development process.

“I think for me, I am more process,” Roberts said, per MLB, “and I will continue to bet on the results. … Process is strike-throwing, sequencing, the right quality of execution, and then you’ll bet on things like that. Not putting guys on with free bases, and all that stuff. That’s what I really look at.”

Sasaki’s early-season starts have some people urging the Dodgers to move him to the bullpen. Even with the loss of closer Edwin Díaz, Los Angeles continues to say Sasaki will not be taken out of the rotation.

Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Snell is reportedly expected to make at least three more rehab starts before returning to the Dodgers. His second rehab start is scheduled for Tuesday.

In the meantime, the Dodgers will need to figure out which pitchers will remain in the rotation when Snell is back.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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