Roki Sasaki Faces New Challenges in Third Spring Start for Dodgers

Assessing Roki Sasaki's Progress

Roki Sasaki's latest outing on Tuesday night was one that the Los Angeles Dodgers had hoped would mark a turnaround. Yet, with a performance that left more questions than answers, it's evident that Sasaki is still grappling with his command as the spring season progresses.

Against the Kansas City Royals in Surprise, Arizona, Sasaki pitched just 3 1/3 innings, surrendering three earned runs while walking five batters and striking out five. Although the game ended with a 10-4 victory for the Dodgers, Sasaki's struggles remain a focal point.

Command Issues Persist

Throughout the spring, command has been a continuing concern for Sasaki, and it reared its head again during this latest appearance. Initially, it seemed like he had regained some of his rhythm, as he struck out two batters early, even hitting a top speed of 100 mph. This promising start soon fell apart, however, as he began walking batters, eventually prompting manager Dave Roberts to pull him from the game after just 49 pitches.

“From the standpoint of results, I'm glad this was spring training. If I'm able to pitch the entire season, I don't think anyone will remember spring training,” Sasaki remarked postgame, showcasing his resilience.

Breaking Down the Innings

Sasaki's third inning was especially revealing. After striking out David Cross, he allowed three consecutive batters to reach base via walks, an alarming sign that his control issues are yet to be resolved. His performance spiraled further in the fourth inning, where he felt the effects of the heat—reportedly almost cramping in both calves.

The Inning Breakdown

1. First Two Innings: Struck out two batters and showed high velocity, raising hopes for a solid outing.
2. Third Inning: Command issues surfaced with three consecutive walks, leading to an early exit.
3. Fourth Inning: Despite starting strong, a poorly placed fastball allowed a two-run home run that further muddled his spring training performance.

Looking Ahead

Despite a rough 13.50 ERA thus far, Sasaki seems unfazed. His focus remains on mechanical adjustments he aims to make in order to rediscover his dominant form. The Dodgers must remain optimistic; a late-game offensive explosion helped secure their victory, but the concerns surrounding Sasaki's command and pitch mechanics loom large.

Conclusion: A Work in Progress

As we stand on the precipice of the 2026 season, the hope is that Sasaki can turn around these early spring struggles. His resilience, coupled with the Dodgers' support, could play a crucial role in his development as a starter. Time will tell, but for now, keeping an eye on his progress is vital.