John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Dodgers star claims L.A. blocked him from playing in World Baseball Classic

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jan 31, 2026 5:54 PM ET

One Los Angeles Dodgers star said the team prevented him from playing in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, leaving him with no say in the matter.

Pitcher Roki Sasaki was asked this week what went into his decision to skip the WBC and not play for Japan in the event. Sasaki said it had not been up to him at all, and the Dodgers made the call for him.

“That’s actually a team decision. I’m just going to go focus on the season,” Sasaki said via his translator.

Roki Sasaki says that it was the team’s decision for him not to pitch in the WBC.

(@THEREAL_DV) pic.twitter.com/rQRedH5XAa
— AM 570 LA Sports (@AM570LASports) January 31, 2026

Sasaki did not seem upset about the decision, but he did make clear the choice was not his. The Dodgers are well within their rights to make that decision, though it is unusual if it happened without any consultation with the player.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is going to the World Baseball Classic, but will not pitch during the event. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that had been Ohtani’s decision, however.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in the WBC, adding that it was Ohtani’s decision.
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) January 31, 2026

The Dodgers have good reason to play it safe with Sasaki. He is still just 24 and dealt with shoulder issues last season. The team would undoubtedly prefer it if he did not pitch in such a high-intensity environment so early in the season.

Sasaki was a disappointment last season, even putting aside the injuries. However, he posted an 0.84 ERA in the playoffs and emerged as a weapon in the back of the Dodger bullpen as they won another World Series.

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

More must-reads: