Los Angeles Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki had his best MLB start to date against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.
Sasaki threw seven innings, holding his opponents to one run and allowed just four hits without a walk—something he’s struggled with this season. The eight strikeouts also ranks as his career high. Sunday also marked the first time this season Sasaki finished an outing without allowing a homer.
May 17, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) delivers during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn ImagesHow Did Roki Sasaki’s Start Unfold?
Sasaki has been fantastic in the first inning all season, and Sunday wasn’t any different. He allowed a double to Mike Trout in tahe second at-bat of his start, but managed to get out of the inning without much trouble.
The right-hander finished the next two innings fairly quickly, striking out two batters in each and retiring the side in order. The Angels scored their only run of the game in the fourth inning, when third baseman Yoan Moncada singled in Nolan Schanuel, who stood on second due to a wild pitch.
Sasaki faced the minimum in the next three innings, allowing just one hit, and recorded two more strikeouts. Alex Vesia relieved him to start the eighth inning.
May 17, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) delivers during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn ImagesHow Has Sasaki Played This Season?
Sunday’s performance is extremely important for Sasaki, as he’s generally underperformed so far in 2026.
Prior to Sunday, Sasaki had a 5.88 ERA through seven outings. He had only thrown six innings once before his start against the Angels, coming against the St. Louis Cardinals on May 2. He had allowed three earned runs or more in each of his last four starts, and struggled to find the zone, with 16 walks through 33.2 innings pitched.
His seven one-run innings dropped his ERA to 5.09.
The Dodgers will hope Sasaki can find some confidence from his strong start as they’ll continue to keep him in a starting role. His continued success is extremely important for the Dodgers at this juncture, as they’re missing two of their best starters in Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell.
His next start is likely to come against the Milwaukee Brewers next weekend.
How did you feel about Roki Sasaki’s outing today?
LA Baseball Report
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