Dodgers’ Dave Roberts makes $325M World Series MVP announcement before Opening Day originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the last two World Series championships and are looking to capture a third title in 2026. The Dodgers possess arguably the best lineup in baseball and one of the strongest pitching staffs as well. When it comes to winning the World Series, however, pitching has ultimately been the key for Los Angeles.

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“The Dodgers batted .203 in the World Series, the worst mark by a champion since 1966. Over the last 2 seasons, they have batted a combined .204 in the World Series and won both years,” Jesse Rogers of ESPN wrote.

The Dodgers are still trying to determine how their starting pitching rotation will line up after several injuries during spring preparations. One name who appears likely to make the Opening Day roster is second-year pitcher Roki Sasaki.

“Roki Sasaki was “electric” against hitters likely to spend their summer in Double-A. Dodgers seem committed to riding this roller coaster with Sasaki. Dave Roberts: “I just don’t see a world where he doesn’t break with us as a starter,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett wrote.

With the World Baseball Classic taking place, players like Will Smith, Shohei Ohtani, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have been absent from camp. However, it appears Yamamoto will soon be returning to the team.

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“Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start Japan’s quarterfinal game against Venezuela and then will travel back to Phoenix to rejoin the Dodgers, manager Dave Roberts said,” Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote.

The Dodgers are gearing up for the regular season and are close to getting several key players back. Team Japan will likely be one of the favorites to win the tournament, making it notable that the Dodgers will get Yamamoto back before the event concludes.

Roberts is eager to have his ace return as the regular season approaches. With their loaded roster, the Dodgers are expected to be a force once again, and Yamamoto will look to continue the dominance he showed last October.

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