Dodgers' manager, Dave Roberts, has stated that Yasaki will start the season in the team's rotation, but with injuries to Blake Snell and Gavin Stone, both unavailable for the season-opening rotation due to shoulder injuries. Sasaki, who previously starred in Nippon Professional Baseball but struggled as a starter last year, performed well in a "B" game against White Sox prospects. He was praised by coaches and front-office personnel for his performance, which included four scoreless innings on 59 pitches (40 strikes) and 17 whiffs. Despite this, Sasaki still has to prove his worth to earn a spot in the Dodgers' rotation.