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Dodgers' Sasaki Gamble Paying Off
8 Jun
Summary
- Roki Sasaki struggled in his rookie season with command and injuries.
- The Dodgers moved Sasaki to the bullpen for the 2025 postseason.
- Despite poor starts in 2026, the Dodgers kept Sasaki in the rotation.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off a 2024 World Series victory, made a significant addition by signing Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-hander, faced early challenges in his rookie season with inconsistent command and injuries, failing to meet immense expectations. Despite these struggles, the Dodgers boldly moved him to the bullpen for their 2025 postseason run, which ultimately contributed to another championship.
Entering 2026, Sasaki's Spring Training numbers were alarming, featuring a 15.58 ERA. Nevertheless, the Dodgers maintained their commitment, placing him back in the starting rotation. While April saw him surrender 15 earned runs, the team's persistence began to pay off by late May and into June.
Sasaki concluded May with strong outings and delivered his best performance in June, pitching seven scoreless innings. His elite velocity and devastating splitter are now consistently appearing at the major league level. The Dodgers' long-term belief in Sasaki's potential as a front-line starter is finally being rewarded as he appears to be mastering his craft.
