Dodgers’ Aki Sasaki reveals the reason he will not participate in the WBC as a representative of Japan appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add clutch point Click here to select your preferred source.
of los angeles dodgers The Dodgers remain a hungry and strong team as they aim for their third consecutive World Series title in 2026. The idea of putting the best team on the field is top of mind for Dodgers management, including team president Andrew Friedman.
dodgers They may have a strong pitching staff that includes World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Shohei Otanibut they also expect compatriot Aki Sasaki to make a big contribution this year. Both Yamamoto and Ohtani will play for Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but Sasaki will not be included in the Japan squad.
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Sasaki missed most of the 2025 season as he recovered from surgery on his right shoulder. dodgers Sasaki will be part of the team’s pitching rotation. As the number 5 starter. The Dodgers have told him they don’t want him to compete in the WBC because they don’t want to put unnecessary stress on his previously injured joint.
Sasaki has no public complaints about the tournament being held outside of the tournament. He understands that the Dodgers’ only concern is his health, not his loyalty to his home country.
Sasaki is primarily a two-pitch pitcher, and the Dodgers don’t want to see him put additional stress on his arm as they try to establish that his fastball and splitter can do the job against major league hitters.
He will be with the team throughout spring training, so the Dodgers’ medical staff will be able to monitor him daily for any pain or discomfort.
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