Dodgers GM Explains Decision to Block Roki Sasaki from Playing in WBC

""I think it's just understanding what we're about to undertake again. Making sure that all sides kind of understand each perspective is the most helpful thing," Gomes said. "Look, the WBC is an amazing thing for the game of baseball. We're tasked with also focusing on the Dodgers. Having those conversations to make sure that everybody's heard and placing the emphasis on what is going to be a long season and hopefully Roki running from start to finish as a starter. "That adds an additional workload component, so trying to be mindful of all those components, while not easy, is something that we have to do in a prudent way.""

""The Dodgers, given Sasaki's injury history and inconsistent 2025, opted to have Sasaki stay and prepare with the team all spring rather than join the Team Japan squad. Sasaki has two pitches at his disposal at the moment, only able to throw a fastball and a splitter. His lack of a deep arsenal became clear as a starter, and with another shot at the rotation, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes and the organization feel like it is best for his prospects to stay in Los Angeles.""

The Dodgers will not allow Roki Sasaki to leave Spring Training to pitch in the World Baseball Classic, prioritizing his preparation with the team. The decision reflects Sasaki's injury history and an inconsistent 2025 in which he finished in the bullpen after 36.1 innings and a 4.46 ERA across 10 appearances. Sasaki currently throws a fastball and a splitter, revealing a limited arsenal as a starter. Shohei Ohtani will play for Japan but will not pitch, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto will join the WBC. General manager Brandon Gomes emphasized balancing WBC prestige with workload management for a long season.

Read at Dodgers Nation