Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes shuts down possible Roki Sasaki move after Edwin Diaz injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been trying to determine what was going on with Edwin Díaz after a relief appearance in which his velocity dropped. While Díaz initially assured there were no major concerns, it was revealed Monday that he will be out until the second half of the season.
“Los Angeles Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz is scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, the team announced. The expectation is that the reliever could sit out around three months, a source told ESPN's Alden Gonzalez on Monday. Los Angeles put Diaz, 32, on the 15-day injured list before the team's series finale with the Colorado Rockies on Monday,” ESPN wrote.
The Dodgers will now have decisions to make and a bullpen to restructure. One move that will not be made, however, involves second-year pitcher Roki Sasaki.
“Brandon Gomes had an (expected) one-word answer to the suggestion that Roki Sasaki could shift back to the bullpen with Edwin Díaz's injury: "No." The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya wrote.
The decision may come as a surprise, as Sasaki has done some of his best work out of the bullpen. Last postseason, he even served as the Dodgers’ closer, delivering electric performances in relief. So far in 2026, however, Sasaki has struggled.
“While some fans are being way too harsh on Sasaki, it's undeniably troublesome to see the right-hander getting off to another rough start. In 2025, Sasaki's rookie season, his struggles out of the gate were such that he was ultimately removed from the Dodgers' pitching plan entirely. Injuries played a role in this, but Sasaki's temperament was also called into question,” Dodgers Way’s Colin Keane wrote.
Los Angeles still appears committed to Sasaki as a starter, but if his struggles continue, a change could eventually be considered. For now, Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes is not ready to move him back to the bullpen.
There are still several questions the Dodgers need to answer early in the season. While identifying Díaz’s issue was important, it does not appear Sasaki will be the one to replace him in the bullpen.