""Sasaki has had a history of injuries this season, and the team reserves the right to suspend his participation in the WBC," a source in the story said. During an interview with Japanese TV earlier in the offseason, manager Dave Roberts expressed doubt over Sasaki playing in the tournament. "I'd be surprised if Sasaki were to pitch in the WBC," Roberts said."
"Sasaki battled an issue in his right shoulder last season, which kept him out for four months, though he returned during the closing stages of the regular season and transitioned into the bullpen. Since the Dodgers have multiple quality starters, Sasaki was always going to have a hard time making the postseason rotation. However, Los Angeles' bullpen issues sealed his fate to become a reliever, and he ended up making several clutch appearances in the postseason as the team's de facto closer."
Roki Sasaki was not included on Team Japan's World Baseball Classic roster after Dodgers president Andrew Friedman asked manager Hirokazu Ibata to exclude him. The Dodgers cited Sasaki's injury history and reserve the right to suspend his WBC participation. Dave Roberts expressed doubt about Sasaki pitching in the tournament. Sasaki missed four months last season with a right-shoulder issue, returned late and moved into the bullpen. Bullpen needs turned him into a postseason reliever and de facto closer. With Clayton Kershaw retired, Sasaki is expected to rejoin the rotation next season, and the Dodgers prioritized rest and a controlled ramp-up in spring training.
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