Dodgers Rotation Shakeup, Roki Sasaki Concerns Mount, and Former Padres Star Slams LA Amid Rising National League Tension

The Los Angeles Dodgers remain one of the most talked-about franchises in Major League Baseball—and not just for their star-studded lineup or World Series aspirations. This week, the buzz surrounds a trio of developments shaking the Dodgers’ foundation: a notable change to their starting rotation, troubling signs from Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki’s progression, and surprising criticism from a former San Diego Padre that has added fuel to the ever-burning NL West rivalry.

Let’s unpack all the latest from Chavez Ravine, where headlines, heat, and high expectations never seem to cool off.

Dodgers Adjust the Starting Rotation

The Dodgers are adjusting their rotation again, and this time, it’s not just about rest days or matchup strategies. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the team would be making a significant tweak to its five-man rotation, bringing rookie left-hander Justin Wrobleski back into the fold while pushing veteran James Paxton back a few days.

The decision comes after Paxton’s recent string of inconsistent starts, most notably a shellacking at the hands of the Yankees in which he gave up six earned runs in just three innings. Paxton, 35, has pitched well in stretches this season, but control and command have been concerns, especially as he navigates the deeper waters of a full campaign.

Wrobleski, on the other hand, has impressed with his poise, maturity, and ability to induce ground balls. The 23-year-old was initially called up for a spot start but has since earned a more serious look. With a 2.79 ERA over his last three Triple-A starts and an effective arsenal that includes a darting slider and improved changeup, the Dodgers are hoping he can solidify the back end of the rotation while others heal.

Walker Buehler remains a work in progress as he regains consistency post-Tommy John, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been electric but heavily managed with pitch limits. Bobby Miller’s shoulder inflammation has slowed his progression back to the majors, and that uncertainty only heightens the pressure on the likes of Wrobleski and Gavin Stone to step up.

Depth has always been a Dodgers strength, and this latest move is a testament to their commitment to balance development with competitiveness.

Roki Sasaki’s Future in LA Hits a Concerning Pause

Meanwhile, the international saga involving Roki Sasaki continues to unfold—and not in the way many Dodger fans had hoped. Sasaki, widely regarded as the next generational talent out of Japan, has not made the kind of progress toward a potential MLB move that LA had anticipated.

Multiple sources within the Japanese media and MLB circles have suggested that Sasaki, 22, has experienced setbacks—both physical and logistical. His velocity has dipped slightly from the 100-mph heater that made scouts swoon, and there are whispers of a minor shoulder issue that’s being monitored but not disclosed in full. Additionally, issues surrounding his posting by the Chiba Lotte Marines remain unresolved.

The Dodgers, who had long been seen as frontrunners due to their recent success with Japanese imports like Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani, have been monitoring the situation closely. However, with little clarity on when or if Sasaki will be posted, and the possibility of medical red flags arising, the team may need to recalibrate their long-term pitching strategy.

The front office had hoped Sasaki could arrive stateside as early as 2025 to be a part of a potential super-rotation alongside Buehler, Yamamoto, and Stone. But for now, Sasaki remains more of a dream than a plan.

Former Padre Criticizes the Dodgers—And Fans Fire Back

As if the rotation shuffle and Sasaki saga weren’t enough, former San Diego Padres pitcher and now MLB analyst Jake Peavy ignited social media and fan debates this week after calling out the Dodgers during a national broadcast. Speaking during a panel segment on MLB Network, Peavy questioned the Dodgers’ “mental toughness” and “big-game readiness” despite their regular-season dominance.

“They’re built to win 100 games,” Peavy said. “No question. But what happens every October? The same story. And until that changes, I don’t care how many MVPs or aces they sign.”

While some in the media praised Peavy’s candor, Dodger fans were quick to point out the irony: Peavy played for the Padres during an era when they were often on the wrong side of the Dodgers’ dominance. Additionally, LA did win the 2020 World Series, a title Peavy appeared to discount by referencing the “shortened season.”

The comments have reignited the rivalry between the two SoCal teams. Even though the Padres are in the midst of a transitional season and missing several key pieces, the bad blood remains. In the stands and on social media, fans from both sides have been trading barbs—and the Dodgers’ next series against San Diego promises to be even more emotionally charged.

Current Dodgers players didn’t comment directly on Peavy’s words, but a few—like Max Muncy and Freddie Freeman—liked tweets referencing the team’s postseason wins over Peavy’s former club.

What It All Means for the Dodgers’ 2025 Push

The Dodgers are a perennial contender, but 2025 has offered up more turbulence than usual. With key arms cycling in and out of availability, a Japanese superstar stuck in limbo, and former rivals stirring the pot in the media, the Dodgers’ season is shaping up to be more of a grind than a cruise.

But this is also where the Dodgers have thrived historically—when adversity forces creativity. They’ve already shown willingness to trust young arms, and with Wrobleski stepping into the rotation, another homegrown talent may soon get his spotlight.

If Sasaki eventually comes stateside, LA will have to determine whether to make another major financial gamble, especially given their recent megadeals with Ohtani and Yamamoto. Until then, the focus remains on the here and now: maintaining dominance in the NL West, preparing for another playoff run, and proving critics—like Jake Peavy—wrong.

The Dodgers are not just aiming to win. They’re aiming to silence narratives. And as the second half of the season approaches, all eyes will be on the rotation, the roster moves, and the noise from outside their clubhouse walls.

Time will tell if they can rise above it all—or if 2025 becomes another chapter in a talented team’s frustrating postseason story.

For now, though, one thing’s clear: in Los Angeles, baseball drama never sleeps.