Roki Sasaki’s struggles as a starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers have been a hot topic this season. Sasaki shined as a closer for the Dodgers during their 2025 World Series championship run. His velocity was back up to triple-digits but it dropped again when he returned to the starting rotation this season.
On Saturday, Sasaki made his 10th start of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies. And for the first time since his Dodgers debut in Japan last season, Sasaki’s fastball reached 100 mph twice. He also threw a career-high 14 fastballs that reached 99 mph or faster.
Sasaki’s fastball reached triple-digits multiple times when he was coming out of the bullpen during the postseason but Saturday’s start was the first time he reached that speed as a starting pitcher since his debut.
“This was the game in which I was able to pitch most like me,” Sasaki said in Japanese to reporters, per the California Post.
Sasaki ultimately gave up three total hits and a home run across 5.1 innings, and the Dodgers lost 4-3 to the Phillies. But the return of Sasaki’s fastball suggests the second-season right-hander is taking a step in the right direction.
May 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) is greeted in the dugout after leaving the game during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesSasaki Has Been Working to Build Muscle in Weight Room
In the past, Sasaki said his decrease in velocity was due to mechanics. After his start on Saturday, Sasaki credited his strength and conditioning work for helping his get back to triple-digit speed.
“It was more about my body’s functionality and overall conditioning,” Sasaki said in Japanese, per MLB. “I think those adjustments ended up helping.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also said Sasaki has been working to build more muscle, and that he believes that has helped him rediscover his fastball.
“Travis Smith, one of our strength guys, has been working really hard with Roki and trying to build some mass and some strength,” Roberts said.
There is still a long season to go, and Sasaki acknowledged that he still has more work to do to reach his full potential as an MLB starter.
“This isn’t the finish line, so I just want to keep preparing and continue pitching well,” Sasaki said.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images