Roki Sasaki Acknowledges 'Things to Work On' After Rough Spring Training Outing

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Roki Sasaki Acknowledges 'Things to Work On' After Rough Spring Training Outing

Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki candidly addressed his performance following a challenging initial spring training start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday. This outing marked Sasaki's first start for the Dodgers since May 2025, and he encountered significant difficulties in navigating the early innings. He conceded three runs on three hits and issued two walks, while striking out three batters. His outing was cut short to just 1.1 innings, a stark contrast to the two innings he was initially slated to pitch.

“There were some positive things, but also things I need to work on,” Sasaki stated through his interpreter. He elaborated on the specific struggles he faced, noting a discrepancy between his bullpen sessions and his performance on the mound. “In the bullpen, I felt pretty good about the forkball but once I got on the mound, it didn’t go well. And the four-seam, I felt pretty good in the bullpen but once I got on the mound, it felt a little off.” This inconsistency between preparation and in-game execution is a critical area for the young pitcher to address.

Sasaki’s MLB career has been marked by a degree of inconsistency, particularly as a starting pitcher. Last season, he posted a 4.72 earned run average (ERA) across eight starts, a figure that indicates room for improvement. A significant turning point in his development came after returning from an injury in 2025, when he transitioned to a relief pitching role. This change in strategy proved highly effective, as Sasaki demonstrated considerably better performance. During his tenure in the bullpen, he allowed just a single run over 11.2 innings pitched, concluding both the regular season and the postseason with strong numbers in that capacity.

Looking ahead, Sasaki will have ample opportunity to refine his craft with the Dodgers. Notably, he will not be participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic with Team Japan, allowing him to focus entirely on his development within the Dodgers' organization. Despite the results of his recent start, there are encouraging signs of his physical readiness. He was clocked reaching 98.6 mph on his fastball relatively early in the contest, demonstrating that his arm strength is nearing peak condition.

The Dodgers organization faces a crucial decision regarding the composition of their pitching staff for the upcoming season. With Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow already penciled in to fill two-thirds of the projected six-man starting rotation, two valuable spots remain open. Sasaki is among a competitive group vying for these positions, including fellow pitchers Gavin Stone, River Ryan, and Emmet Sheehan. To secure a coveted rotation spot, Sasaki will undoubtedly need to demonstrate significant improvement and consistency throughout the remainder of the spring and into the early part of the regular season.

Despite the challenges presented in his recent start, Sasaki has shown considerable promise during his tenure with the Dodgers. His performance in relief last season suggests he can be a valuable asset to the team. If he can translate that late-season relief success into a starting role, or even maintain it as a high-leverage reliever, the organization would likely view his development positively. The ongoing debate about whether Sasaki is better suited for the bullpen or the rotation highlights his potential and the Dodgers' strategic considerations as they finalize their pitching plans for the next season.

Ekhbary News Agency