Dave Roberts said on September 14, 2026, that Roki Sasaki will throw an abbreviated four-inning live batting-practice session before the Los Angeles Dodgers decide his next role.
Roberts said Sasaki’s session will help determine his role for approximately 10 days. He added that Jose would have an opportunity to get five at-bats and had been with the team for four games, while emphasizing that Jose’s postseason-roster status remains undecided after a trial run: “No promises.” Roberts said he evaluates Jose, and he enjoyed returning to hands-on coaching while shagging fly balls with him.
Roberts expects Shohei Ohtani to return for some regular-season games, but the number of appearances and a return-to-play date remain undecided. He noted that Ohtani felt better than on September 13, 2026, but said his evaluation is primarily based on the eye test because Ohtani wants to play. Roberts explained that Ohtani’s right-knee tendonitis has limited his ability to get fully onto his front side during his swing, and he said Ohtani’s recovery will involve a consistent buildup.
Roberts said Dalton Rushing was progressing and would take live batting practice on September 15, 2026. Andy Pages had hit off a machine using real baseballs, with a Trajekt machine planned for September 15, 2026. Roberts also said Bobby Miller could potentially be part of the Dodgers’ upcoming pitching plans because he is available.
Roberts said young hitters who control the strike zone have a better chance to adjust because modern pitching makes consistent success as a bad-ball hitter difficult. He praised Elly De La Cruz, saying De La Cruz likes the big stage and performs there, and Roberts mentioned meeting Roberto’s family in Pittsburgh. He also attributed to himself the claim that Elly De La Cruz hit a home run off Noah Syndergaard at Great American Ball Park, that the Dodgers have a day game on September 17, 2026, and that Roberto was too young to remember Roberts.
Roberts said the Dodgers will not create postseason short-rest or bullpen routines during the regular season because they want pitchers healthy for the October run. He will continue monitoring Shohei Ohtani, while the four-inning session will inform Sasaki’s next assignment.