Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki had a solid outing Monday night, and after the game, he revealed a little about what he’s changed as he seeks to end the struggles he faced in spring training.
Sasaki gave up only one run in more than four innings of action, a far cry from the spring training hurdles he faced, including being pulled in the first inning of a game after he gave up a grand slam with no outs.
Despite the Dodgers losing 4-2 to the Cleveland Guardians, Sasaki played well.
He allowed four hits and struck out four with two walks.
He also recorded nine whiffs in his 78 pitches, of which 45 were strikes.
Speaking with SportsNet LA, Sasaki
“I was able to find the mechanics, so I think that really worked out,” he said through an interpreter.
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) walks back to the dugout as he is taken out from the game by manager Dave Roberts (left) during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesHow Has Roki Sasaki Played in Spring Training 2026?
Sasaki’s performance Monday night was a huge improvement over his outings in spring training.
He pitched 8.2 innings in the preseason, allowing 15 earned runs and walking 15 batters. His ERA was an atrocious 15.58 in the preseason, though Monday’s performance resulted in a much improved ERA of 2.25.
That’s a lot closer to Sasaki’s dominant fall 2025.
After returning from that shoulder injury, Sasaki “become the team’s surprise closer in the playoffs, posting an 0.84 ERA in nine appearances with three saves and two holds,” as detailed by Jack Harris of The California Post.
What Does Roki Sasaki’s Performance Mean for the Dodgers?
Even in a loss, Sasaki’s strong outing backs up the faith placed in him by team leadership.
Manager Dave Roberts has acknowledged Sasaki’s troubles, though he and general manager Brandon Gomes have both highlighted the young pitcher’s potential as well.
“I don’t think that you can completely bank on or evaluate spring training or an exhibition game. But yeah, it hasn’t been great,” Roberts noted in spring training. “It really hasn’t. And we know that. The standard needs to be better. He knows that. We know that. And now, it’s kinda go time, and see how he can perform when the lights come on.”
Roberts has been checking in with Sasaki and publicly expressing confidence in the pitcher, as has Gomes.
“He’s done it on the biggest stage, in front of 50,000, so we know it’s in there,” Gomes said. “Now it’s just getting him in rhythm and consistently syncing up pitches.”
On Monday, Sasaki took a step in that direction.
Do you think Roki Sasaki will keep playing at a high level in 2026?
LA Baseball Report
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