GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Los Angeles Dodgers have officially confirmed what baseball insiders have speculated for months: the reigning World Series champions will utilize a six-man starting rotation to begin the 2026 season. Manager Dave Roberts made the announcement during Cactus League media day at Camelback Ranch on Friday, outlining a strategy designed to maximize the potential of the team's superstar Japanese trio—Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki—while navigating the unique challenges of a World Baseball Classic year.

A Historic Shift for the 'Super Rotation'

Speaking to reporters ahead of the team's first full-squad workout, Roberts detailed the logic behind the expanded rotation. The decision marks a significant strategic pivot for a Major League club, directly mirroring the once-a-week pitching schedule common in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). This schedule is specifically tailored to the Dodgers' three aces, all of whom developed their arms in the Japanese system.

"We have three of the most talented arms in the world, and they are all accustomed to a specific rhythm," Roberts explained. "Shohei, Yoshinobu, and Roki (Sasaki) have all thrived on that once-a-week routine. By moving to a six-man rotation, we aren't just protecting their health; we are optimizing their performance to chase a third consecutive title."

Ohtani's Full Return to the Mound

The biggest headline from the Dodgers starting rotation news is the unqualified return of Shohei Ohtani as a full-time pitcher. After a 2025 season where he made 14 regular-season starts and helped secure the World Series title against the Blue Jays, Ohtani is now fully removed from his rehabilitation protocols.

Roberts confirmed that Ohtani, who won his fourth MVP award last season, enters 2026 without the "rehab" label. "He expects to be in the Cy Young conversation," Roberts said. However, the team will remain cautious. While Ohtani will hit for Team Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, he will not pitch in the tournament, a collaborative decision made to preserve his arm for the grueling 162-game MLB season.

Yamamoto and Sasaki: WBC Duties and Redemption

While Ohtani focuses on hitting in March, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is set to lead Team Japan's pitching staff as their ace. Yamamoto, coming off a strong sophomore campaign, will face a unique buildup this spring. Roberts noted that the team is coordinating closely with Japanese national team officials to ensure Yamamoto's workload is managed before he returns to the Dodgers for the regular season.

For Roki Sasaki, the 2026 season represents a chance for redemption. After signing with the Dodgers in January 2025, Sasaki showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with durability, eventually moving to the bullpen during the 2025 postseason run. Now entering his second MLB season, the six-man rotation is arguably most critical for him. The extra rest days are expected to help the 24-year-old phenom maintain his velocity and command deep into October.

Navigating Spring Training 2026

With MLB Spring Training reporting dates 2026 now active, the atmosphere at Camelback Ranch is already buzzing. Pitchers and catchers reported on Friday, February 13, with position players joining early next week. The immediate focus is balancing the ramp-up for the domestic rotation members—like Tyler Glasnow and potentially a returning Clayton Kershaw or healthy Dustin May—with the WBC departures.

"It's a delicate balance," Roberts admitted regarding the World Baseball Classic interruptions. "But we have the depth. We built this roster to withstand the long season, and a six-man rotation gives us the best chance to keep our premium arms fresh for another championship run."

Looking Ahead

The Dodgers are attempting to become the first team to three-peat since the New York Yankees of the late 90s. With a rotation anchored by three of Japan's greatest exports and a strategic commitment to their health, Los Angeles has once again positioned itself as the team to beat. As Roki Sasaki Dodgers spring training 2026 highlights begin to surface, the baseball world will be watching to see if this six-man experiment revolutionizes MLB pitching management.