LOS ANGELES Los AngelesDodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki had another tough spring training start on Monday night.Sasaki walked six batters and allowed five runs in two-plus innings against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. He threw 66 pitches, of which 32 were strikes.The Japanese right-hander has a 15.58 ERA in four exhibition starts for the defending World Series winners. He’s walked 15 in 8 innings, raising concerns about his readiness for the start of the regular season.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start for the Dodgers in their home opener against Arizona on Thursday.Sasaki did not get out of the first inning. He hit Zach Neto with a 3-0 fastball, and Mike Trout reached on a fielder’s choice. Sasaki then walked three straight batters before being replaced by Ronan Kopp.
Sasaki, 24, returned for the opening of the second. He hit Neto again and walked Trout before escaping the jam with a couple of grounders.He walked Yoán Moncadain in the third inning before striking out Jo Adell and Josh Lowe. Logan O’Hoppe then lined to second for the last out of the inning.Sasaki was replaced by Ben Casparius after walking Adam Frazier to start the fourth inning.
Dodgers
Frazier ultimately scored on Nolan Schanuel’s sacrifice fly.Sasaki signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers in January 2025, earning a $6.5 million signing bonus because he was under 25 and subject to international signing bonus pool restrictions. He previously played four seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League.Sasaki, who was out for much of last season due to a right shoulder impingement, was 1-1 with a 4.46 ERA in eight starts and two relief appearances.He returned in September and became an important member of the bullpen throughout the postseason, allowing only one earned run in 10 innings and earning three saves to help the Dodgers win their second consecutive championship.
Another Difficult Day on the Mound
Sasaki entered the game looking to build momentum and improve upon previous appearances. However, he struggled to establish consistent command throughout the outing.
Opposing hitters were able to capitalize on mistakes in the strike zone, leading to several scoring opportunities. The right-hander occasionally displayed the electric velocity and devastating movement that made him one of the most sought-after international prospects, but maintaining consistency remained a challenge.
Control issues and elevated pitch counts prevented Sasaki from settling into a comfortable rhythm, resulting in another difficult spring performance.
Expectations Remain Extremely High
Few young pitchers arrive in Major League Baseball with the level of hype that has surrounded Sasaki. During his career in Japan, he gained international recognition for his elite fastball, strikeout ability, and remarkable potential.
The Dodgers viewed him as a cornerstone piece for their future pitching plans, and expectations immediately skyrocketed upon his arrival.
However, transitioning from Nippon Professional Baseball to Major League Baseball often requires an adjustment period. Differences in hitters, schedules, travel demands, and overall competition can create challenges even for elite talent.
The organization understands that development is rarely a perfectly smooth process.
Dodgers Staying Patient
Despite the recent struggles, the Dodgers remain confident in Sasaki’s long-term outlook. Team officials and coaches have emphasized patience while helping the young pitcher adapt to a new environment.
Spring training is designed to allow players to work on mechanics, experiment with pitch usage, and build stamina ahead of the regular season. As a result, organizations often focus more on progress and development than immediate results.
The Dodgers believe Sasaki possesses all the tools necessary to become a frontline starter once he gains additional experience.
Flashes of Elite Talent Still Visible
Although the outing was disappointing statistically, there were moments that reminded everyone why Sasaki is considered one of baseball’s brightest young pitchers.
His fastball continued to reach impressive velocities, and his secondary pitches showed the movement that has made him successful throughout his career. Several strikeouts demonstrated his ability to overpower hitters when his command is sharp.
Those flashes of brilliance provide encouragement for both the coaching staff and fans.
The challenge moving forward will be turning those moments into consistent performance over multiple innings.
Areas for Improvement
The primary focus for Sasaki remains command and efficiency. Pitching at the highest level requires more than raw velocity; it also demands precise location and the ability to consistently execute a game plan.
Improving first-pitch strike percentages, limiting walks, and working deeper into games are likely to be major goals as the season approaches.
The Dodgers’ experienced coaching staff will continue working closely with him to address those areas.
Looking Ahead
Spring training struggles do not necessarily predict regular-season performance. Many successful pitchers have experienced rocky exhibition seasons before finding their rhythm when games begin to count.
For Sasaki, the key will be learning from each outing and continuing to make adjustments. His talent level remains undeniable, and the Dodgers are confident that his best baseball is still ahead of him.
Final Thoughts
Roki Sasaki’s latest spring outing was another reminder that even elite prospects face challenges during their transition to Major League Baseball. While the results were not ideal, the Dodgers remain committed to his development and long-term success.
With patience, coaching, and continued experience, Sasaki has every opportunity to become a major contributor in Los Angeles and eventually fulfill the enormous expectations that have followed him throughout his career.
Sarah Williams is a sports news reporter covering all major American sports including NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. With 4 years of experience in sports journalism, Sarah specializes in breaking news, trending stories, and exclusive sports updates. Her fast-paced reporting style keeps sports fans informed and engaged. Sarah is a core member of the USA News Point editorial team.
