Dodgers GM Makes Clear Roki Sasaki Statement After Edwin Diaz Injury

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Dodgers GM Makes Clear Roki Sasaki Statement After Edwin Diaz Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Apr 21, 2026 12:02 AM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edin Diaz is expected to undergo elbow surgery on Wednesday, the team announced Monday. The star closer is expected to return in the second half of the regular season. Attention now shifts to how LA will handle its closer situation during Diaz's injury absence.

Tanner Scott could be a candidate. The Dodgers also may go with a closer-by-committee approach. One pitcher who seemingly could make sense is Roki Sasaki, however.

Sasaki has struggled for most of his MLB career since making his big league debut last year. In 2026, he has turned in a lackluster 6.11 ERA across four starts. However, the right-handed pitcher was able to find success out of the bullpen during LA's 2025 postseason run, as he recorded a 0.89 ERA in nine appearances.

Roki Sasaki comes in and escapes the jam! pic.twitter.com/qoHwaWz8TM
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 28, 2025

So, would the Dodgers consider moving him back to the bullpen? Could he help out in the closer role amid Diaz's injury absence? After all, Sasaki did record three saves in the 2025 postseason.

Fabian Ardaya shared what Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said about the situation on Monday.

"Brandon Gomes had an (expected) one-word answer to the suggestion that Roki Sasaki could shift back to the bullpen with Edwin Díaz's injury: 'No,'" Ardaya reported.

Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes Shuts Down Roki Sasaki Bullpen Idea

Roki Sasaki (11) pitches against the Cleveland GuardiansJoe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Sasaki unquestionably found success in the bullpen in the playoffs last year. With that being said, there is no reason to give up on Sasaki as a starter yet.

Yes, he has struggled in the rotation. The Dodgers signed him to be a starting pitcher, though. His ceiling is extremely high. Once he figures things out in the rotation, Sasaki could realistically become a Cy Young caliber starter.

Could Sasaki also become a star reliever? He has already displayed the potential without question. At only 24 years old, though, the Dodgers want to continue to give him opportunities to start in the rotation.

If Sasaki struggles all season then perhaps Los Angeles will consider moving him to the bullpen once again in the postseason. In a perfect world for the Dodgers, Sasaki will figure things out in the rotation and become a reliable starting pitcher.

While there is an argument to be made for Roki Sasaki moving to the bullpen right now, it seems as if the Dodgers are not considering it at the moment.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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