Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki made Team Japan’s preliminary roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, per MLB insider Francys Romero.
Sasaki, now 24, burst onto the scene in the 2023 WBC, making two starts for Team Japan and keeping a 3.52 ERA with 11 strikeouts as they took their third WBC championship — the most of any team. Throughout the tournament, Sasaki wowed spectators with his solid performances and showcased his triple-digit fastball, leading to his eventual move to MLB.
The right-hander played one more season in NPB — where he posted a 2.35 ERA through 18 starts — before signing with the Dodgers ahead of the 2025 season.
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Sasaki struggled through his first couple of months with the Dodgers, posting a 4.72 ERA through his first eight starts in MLB before landing on the injured list early in May. He spent a majority of the season on the sidelines with his injury, but made a fierce comeback after his return towards the end of September.
He took on a bullpen role upon his return, and instantly made a difference for the Dodgers. He made two appearances in relief at the end of the regular season, and didn’t allow a run through either of his outings while striking out two batters in each.
Sasaki carried his form into the postseason, and instantly became a reliable arm for the Dodgers in high-leverage situations. The 24-year-old shut down a Reds comeback attempt in the final game of the Wild Card Series, then recorded his first two MLB saves against the Philadelphia Phillies on the road in the NLDS.
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His best performance to date, though, came in the final game of that series, where he threw three scoreless innings without allowing a baserunner. Sasaki finished the postseason with a 0.84 ERA, allowing just one run throughout his nine appearances spanning 10.2 innings.
Sasaki will look to play a similarly large role for Team Japan in the upcoming WBC as they chase their record fourth tournament championship.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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