Dodgers Will Activate Roki Sasaki for Bullpen Role
The Los Angeles pitcher returns from the injured list to bolster the team's postseason relief efforts.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Baseball
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The Los Angeles Dodgers will activate Roki Sasaki from the injured list ahead of their series against the San Diego Padres starting September 22, 2026. Sasaki is expected to transition into a bullpen role for the upcoming postseason.
Why it matters
Moving Sasaki to the bullpen allows the Dodgers to integrate his pitching talent into a relief rotation for the playoffs. This shift provides the team with added depth after securing a bye through the Wild Card round.
Roki Sasaki, 24, recorded a 4.60 ERA and a 22.9% strikeout rate over 119 1/3 innings during his 23 regular-season starts. He maintains an average four-seamer velocity of 97.8 mph.
The players
Roki Sasaki
He is a 24-year-old starting pitcher who is transitioning to a bullpen role for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani
The Dodgers star is currently on the 15-day injured list nursing knee and biceps injuries.
Blake Snell
He is a starting pitcher for the Dodgers who maintains a 1.86 ERA through eight starts in 2026.
Dave Roberts
He serves as the manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Andy Pages
He is an outfielder for the Dodgers who is expected to be reinstated from the injured list.
The details
Sasaki spent several weeks on the injured list recovering from a blister, prompting his move to a relief role. Meanwhile, the team anticipates the return of Andy Pages from injury and continues to monitor Blake Snell following his recent exit due to groin discomfort.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Manager Dave Roberts announced the roster move.
September 22, 2026: Dodgers begin a series against the Padres.
September 23, 2026: Earliest potential return for Shohei Ohtani.
September 25, 2026: Dodgers begin series against the San Francisco Giants.
October 3, 2026: Scheduled date for NLDS Game 1.
Season Trajectory
Sasaki's move to the bullpen signals the Dodgers' effort to solidify their relief corps before the postseason begins. This adjustment reflects a broader strategic shift to prioritize high-leverage bullpen depth following the team's early securing of a Wild Card bye.
The transition of Sasaki to the bullpen creates a new late-inning relief option for the Dodgers throughout the postseason. Fantasy managers and fans should note that Blake Snell is currently slated to avoid further appearances until NLDS Game 1.
The takeaway
The Dodgers are prioritizing postseason depth by moving starting pitchers into relief roles to maximize flexibility. Fans can expect further roster adjustments as key players like Ohtani and Pages finalize their returns to the active lineup.
What happens next
The Los Angeles Dodgers are scheduled to compete in the NLDS starting on October 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on roster updates and team performance, visit the Baseball section.
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