Roki Sasaki’s spring training ERA has exploded to 15.58 after another wild outing against the Angels, throwing just 32 strikes out of 66 pitches. The Dodgers’ $6.5 million investment from Japan is raising urgent questions about his readiness for the regular season and his ultimate role on a team chasing a third straight championship.
Roki Sasaki’s latest spring training disaster against the Los Angeles Angels wasn’t just a bad start—it was a masterclass in command breakdown. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed five runs in just 2.1 innings, issued six walks, and hit two batters, including Zach Neto twice. His pitch count was a staggering 66, with only 32 for strikes. This marks his fourth consecutive shaky exhibition, pushing his ERA to a staggering 15.58 and his walk total to 15 in 8.2 innings.
The disintegration began immediately. Sasaki failed to record an out in the first inning, hitting Neto with a 3-0 fastball before Mike Trout reached on a fielder’s choice. What followed was a walk parade: three consecutive free passes before his hook. He returned for the second inning, hit Neto again, walked Trout, and only escaped on two grounders. The third inning started with a leadoff walk to Yoán Moncada, and though he struck out Jo Adell and Josh Lowe, the damage to his rhythm was done. In the fourth, after walking Adam Frazier, he was lifted for Ben Casparius; Frazier scored on a sac fly.
This level of inefficiency is baffling for a pitcher who was a shutdown postseason reliever for these Dodgers. Sasaki became a critical bullpen weapon after returning from a right shoulder impingement that sidelined him for much of last season. In the 2025 playoffs, he allowed just one earned run over 10.2 innings and earned three saves, helping the Dodgers secure their second consecutive World Series title [AP MLB]. That performance earned him a roster spot and raised expectations for a potential rotation role in 2026.
The context makes this spring’s implosion more puzzling. Sasaki signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers in January 2025, netting a $6.5 million signing bonus due to his age and international bonus pool restrictions [AP News]. He arrived with four seasons of elite production in Nippon Professional Baseball, where he was a strikeout machine with a plus slider. The Dodgers’ plan was clear: develop him as a starter long-term, but his immediate value was in the high-leverage bullpen. His split-finger fastball and devastating breaking ball were unhittable in October.
So what explains the complete loss of command now? Theories are swirling in the fan community:
- Is the shoulder not fully healthy? The impingement was supposed to be resolved, but perhaps he’s protecting something or his mechanics are compromised.
- Is he pressing to win a rotation spot? With Yoshinobu Yamamoto locked in as Opening Day starter, the fifth starter’s job is arguably Sasaki’s to lose. The pressure to perform as a starter might be disrupting his meticulous approach.
- Is this a classic NPB-to-MLB adjustment issue? The strike zone, hitters’ approaches, and even the baseballs differ. His arm slot and release might be too deliberate for major league timing.
- Is this just a spring training hiccup? Many pitchers work on specific things in March and prioritize health over results. But six walks in 2.1 innings? That’s a red flag, not a blip.
The Dodgers’ depth is being tested. While Yamamoto is a workhorse and the bullpen is loaded with flamethrowers like Daniel Hudson and Blake Treinen, Sasaki’s profile is unique. His splitter is a true out pitch that could be a weapon in middle relief. However, if he’s this wild, he’s unusable in any high-leverage spot. The organization must decide quickly: option him to Triple-A to rebuild confidence and command, or carry him on the Opening Day roster in a limited bullpen role while he sorts things out.
The regular season opener against the Diamondbacks is Thursday. Sasaki was never a candidate to start that game, but he was penciled in for a long relief or setup role. Each poor outing chips away at that trust. Manager Dave Roberts has a history of patience with young arms, but he also has a championship to defend. The Dodgers’ path to a three-peat assumes their pitching is a strength. If Sasaki is a liability instead of a weapon, the entire complexion of their season shifts.
For the first time, the Dodgers’ celebrated player development system faces a real test with a high-profile acquisition. Sasaki isn’t a low-minors lottery ticket; he’s a key piece with a $6.5 million price tag and October pedigree. The next step is critical: a side session, a simulated game, or a minor league rehab assignment. If the walks continue, the bullpen door may swing shut, and a promising project could stall before it truly begins.
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