The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again heading into the season with an enviable problem: too much starting pitching. After riding their rotation all the way to a World Series title in 2025, the Dodgers are doubling down on what’s quickly become their signature strength-elite arms and unmatched depth.
At the top of the rotation, it’s a who’s who of star power. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell are locked in as the front four.
That’s a quartet with Cy Young-level stuff, international pedigree, and postseason experience. But what really sets this Dodgers staff apart is what’s behind them.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the team plans to open the 2026 campaign with a six-man rotation, a strategy designed to manage workloads and keep their arsenal of arms fresh for the long haul.
“I think early, it’s hard to say it won’t be [a six-man rotation],” Roberts said. “We’re very mindful of giving guys rest to keep them built up.”
It’s a smart play, especially for a team with as much top-end talent as it has depth. The six-man setup not only gives the Dodgers flexibility, but also helps accommodate the unique needs of their pitchers.
Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki are all used to pitching once a week-a rhythm that mirrors their time in Japan and has worked well for them in MLB. The six-man rotation keeps that cadence intact.
Beyond the big four, the final two rotation spots are up for grabs, but the favorites are already emerging. Emmet Sheehan, who flashed electric stuff last season, is a strong candidate to grab one of them.
And then there’s Sasaki-the 22-year-old phenom whose arrival in L.A. has been met with sky-high expectations. If his transition to the majors goes as expected, he could be a difference-maker right away.
That depth also gives the Dodgers the luxury of taking their time with other arms. River Ryan and Gavin Stone are both working their way back from Tommy John surgery, and the team can afford to slow-play their returns. The long view here is clear: get them healthy, limit their innings early, and have them ready for the stretch run or postseason.
Meanwhile, Justin Wrobleski and Ben Casparius-both of whom have bullpen experience-are likely to continue in multi-inning relief roles. That kind of versatility is key in a six-man rotation system, where bullpen usage can get tricky. Having guys who can bridge the gap or step in for a spot start gives Roberts another layer of flexibility.
And let’s not forget about Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell. Both have dealt with injuries over the past few seasons, and the six-man rotation could be the key to keeping them healthy and effective deep into the season. For a team with championship aspirations, that kind of foresight matters.
Bobby Miller’s Road Back
One name not currently in the rotation mix-but one that fans shouldn’t forget-is Bobby Miller. After a breakout rookie campaign in 2023, Miller hit a wall in 2024, struggling through 13 tough outings. The struggles lingered into 2025, and now he’s likely to start the year in Triple-A.
But Miller hasn’t lost confidence. He’s using the setback as fuel.
“That’s the motivation for me right now, to get back to how I was a few years ago,” he said. “I know it’s still in there, and there’s more than that as well.”
That’s the kind of mindset the Dodgers love to see. And with the way this rotation is shaping up, there’s no need to rush Miller back. He’ll have time to find his form, and when he’s ready, he’ll be another high-upside option in an already loaded arsenal.
The Dodgers aren’t just building a rotation-they’re building a machine. One that’s designed not just for the grind of a 162-game season, but for October. And if this group stays healthy and performs to its potential, they won’t just be tough to beat-they’ll be the standard everyone else is chasing.