Even With Edwin Díaz Out, Dodgers Won’t Move Roki Sasaki Back to Bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without their closer until at least the second half of the season.

Three-time All-Star Edwin Díaz will reportedly undergo surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow on Wednesday. He is expected to miss at least three months of the season, according to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.

Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) throws against the Cleveland Guardians during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Dodgers do not have an obvious, primary closer currently listed in the bullpen. But the memories of Roki Sasaki’s dominant performance as a closer for Los Angeles during their World Series run last season has some people urging the Dodgers to put the struggling starter back in the bullpen.

Dodgers Stand Firm on Sasaki’s Role

The Dodgers have expressed multiple times that Sasaki will remain in the starting rotation, despite his struggles in spring training and early this season.

So far in the 2026 season, Sasaki has posted a 6.11 ERA, walked 12 batters and given up four home runs while striking out 17 batters in four starts. In spring training, he accrued a 15.58 ERA and walked 15 batters in 8.2 innings.