Dave Roberts said on September 23, 2026, that Roki Sasaki will return to relief pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Roberts said Sasaki could enter a clean inning and pitch two innings, while the current plan is to evaluate him out of the bullpen. He added that any future closer role will depend partly on how Sasaki pitches in one or two shorter outings before the 2026 season ends.
Roberts noted that he would prefer one established closer but does not currently see a one-person closer arrangement, leaving room to use relievers according to leverage and matchups. He also said Evan Phillips' last three outings have resembled his usual form and evaluated Brock Stewart as excellent when healthy.
Roberts stated that Shohei Ohtani is expected to be activated on September 24, 2026, after completing coaches' batting practice and his regular workout. Roberts described Ohtani as probably an eight or nine compared with five when he went on the injured list.
Blake Snell threw a bullpen session and is expected to pitch on September 26, 2026, while Dalton Rushing may be activated for an opportunity as a bench hitter. Will Klein will continue throwing to hitters and could be considered later in the postseason; Roberts also noted that three games remain.