Dave Roberts said on September 22, 2026, that Roki Sasaki accepted a move to the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen because the team needs only four postseason starters, with Sasaki's next appearance probably scheduled for Friday.
Roberts stated that Sasaki remains viewed as a starter but will pitch from the bullpen because “we only need four starters in the postseason.” Roberts added that Sasaki accepted the assignment without objection, saying “he said no problem” because he wants to help the team win. Roberts also explained that Sasaki struggled with health and performance 2025, but learned from his postseason impact and the value of contributing in any role.
Roberts said Edwin Díaz has put himself into the Dodgers' potential postseason trust group after three strong outings, telling reporters that “he's put himself right smack in that conversation.” He noted that “the ninth is possible” for Díaz and said Díaz is expected to pitch in two of the Dodgers' four remaining regular-season games. Roberts also mentioned that Díaz is returning from a difficult period and has worked with the hitting coach and BSI group as his performance improves.
Roberts described the Dodgers' bullpen as being in its strongest position of the season, saying “it's as good a shape as we've ever been in.” He praised the bullpen for using eight pitchers who each did their jobs and gave San Diego's hitters different looks in the shutout. Roberts said San Diego removed Michael King after five innings.
Roberts said the Dodgers' offense, defense, hitters meetings and overall fundamentals have improved as the team approaches the postseason, stating that “this is as good fundamentally as we've been.” He added that the players' focus has heightened because they can sense the postseason, while the magic number for securing a bye is one. Roberts said the Dodgers will start Yoshinobu Yamamoto in their next game, and the Dodgers have four games remaining in the regular season.