LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a high-stakes dilemma involving the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), and unlike their Japanese superstars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the club holds the power to block young phenom Roki Sasaki from participating.
The decision is a calculated gamble: the desire for a historic three-peat World Series title against the massive national pride associated with Team Japan.
Why Sasaki Can Be Blocked (The Injury Clause)
Major League Baseball rules generally prevent teams from blocking players from the WBC. However, there is a critical exception that applies directly to Sasaki:
- The Rule: An MLB team can block a player’s participation in the WBC if that player spent a significant amount of time on the Injured List (IL) during the most recent season or has a pre-existing condition.
- Sasaki’s Status: Reports confirm that Sasaki, who was signed by the Dodgers in January 2025, spent a significant portion of the 2025 season on the 60-Day Injured List due to a shoulder impingement and struggles with velocity and mechanics, despite making a strong showing in a de facto closer role late in the season.
Because he spent extended time on the IL, the Dodgers have the contractual right to prioritize his health and recovery, rather than risk the intensity of WBC competition in March, which could set him back for the crucial MLB season.
The Double Dilemma: Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki
The situation is particularly tricky for the Dodgers because Sasaki, Ohtani (who has already confirmed he will participate), and Yamamoto were all teammates on the championship-winning Team Japan in the 2023 WBC.
- Shohei Ohtani: Cannot be blocked, as he was on the active roster the entire 2025 season.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Cannot be blocked, but the Dodgers are reportedly advocating for Team Japan to use him conservatively, given his “burdensome postseason performance” and high innings count in 2025.
- Roki Sasaki: The team can choose to block him outright to focus on his continued development and ensure he’s a reliable starter for the full MLB season.
The Dodgers have made no final public indication of their choice regarding Sasaki. However, given their emphasis on health and managing the workload of their Asian pitching stars, the club is heavily leaning toward caution. The front office must decide whether to risk alienating a franchise cornerstone for the sake of an early-season tournament.
