Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki plan hints his postseason roster spot isn’t guaranteed

Roki Sasaki is set to rejoin the Los Angeles Dodgers this week after an IL stint due to a blister on his right middle finger. How exactly Sasaki will fit into the Dodgers' plans remains somewhat of a mystery.

Dave Roberts told reporters on Sunday that Sasaki will shift into relief for one of the games against the San Diego Padres. According to the Dodgers skipper, Sasaki isn't going to be used as a bulk guy, and this bullpen shift is also what LA could have in mind for him in the playoffs, provided he looks good enough in his next outing(s).

The Dodgers aren't dead-set on using Roki Sasaki in the playoffs

Roberts' update on Sasaki makes it clear that the Dodgers are trying out their gifted right-hander to see if his relief role makes sense for the postseason. If he's not effective against San Diego, one can't rule out the possibility that the Dodgers' brain trust will decide to leave him out of LA's postseason plan of attack entirely.

After an up-and-down rookie season that saw Sasaki struggle, he made 23 starts in 2026. Oozing with talent, Sasaki's never lacked stuff, but consistency has evaded him throughout his nascent career. He was terrific as a bullpen arm in last year's playoffs, and it sounds like the Dodgers haven't forgotten that.

Sasaki has shown a willingness to adapt to circumstances and make adjustments on the fly (even when it comes to his glove size). But if the Dodgers are going to use a roster spot on Sasaki the reliever, they need to be sure it'll be worth it.

Sasaki will be competing against Emmet Sheehan and Justin Wrobleski for bullpen opportunities. The Dodgers are surely counting on Tanner Scott and Edgardo Henriquez (once he comes back) in high-leverage situations. How many relievers does Roberts want to carry?

Sasaki offers stunning velocity that historically grows in power when he moves to the bullpen. The postseason is all about who has the hot hand at the right moment. This week's series against the Padres will be a showcase for Sasaki in that sense — or his undoing, if he falters.

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