“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. 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.”

Sasaki’s last tune-up showed the concern. He struck out two but walked six, allowed four earned runs, hit two batters, and threw 66 pitches in just two innings. No hits allowed, but command was the issue from start to finish.

Command concerns, but Dodgers stay committed

Sasaki admitted things were off after the outing. “Results weren’t good today… my mechanics were a little off, but I’ll keep improving.” It’s a simple message, but one that reflects where he stands heading into the 2026 MLB season.

Despite the struggles, the Dodgers are not backing off their plan. As Katie Woo noted on X (@katiejwoo), the team remains firm on keeping Sasaki in the rotation, though questions about sustainability could grow if he doesn’t adjust quickly.

For now, Sasaki is still lined up to start Game 4 of the season. He posted a 4.46 ERA in 2025 across 10 games, with strong postseason work out of the bullpen at a 0.84 ERA. The projection sits around a 4.18 ERA, but as Roberts said, now it’s go time.

Roberts also made sure to show his support behind the scenes to the young starter. “I believe in him, I really do. I told him that in the dugout,” he said, reinforcing that confidence remains even as expectations rise for this season with the Dodgers.

After the events of Game 2 against the Phillies on Monday night, Roberts addressed the speculation surrounding Sasaki’s role, citing Blake Treinen’s experience ahead of National League Division Series (NLDS) game to underscore his decision-making.

“I thought about it [going to Sasaki], but he’s yet to pitch 2 of 3 in the postseason. Blake Treinen has pitched a lot of big outs in the postseason and I felt confident there with Vesia behind him,” Roberts explained to media outlets regarding his decision not to designate Sasaki as the closer for the Dodgers.

Nevertheless, Roberts expressed optimism about Sasaki’s potential and his capability to rise to future challenges, noting, “Fortunately, Roki was ready when called upon and secured a crucial out for us,” as he lauded the Japanese pitcher for his stellar performances in his recent outings as a closer.

Treinen’s performance compared to Sasaki’s in Game 2

The debate surrounding the decision to favor Treinen over Sasaki as the closer on Monday stems from their contrasting performances. On one hand, Treinen fell short, failing to record an out while allowing three hits and two earned runs.

And in the other hand, Sasaki stepped up to the mound and, in just 0.1 innings pitched, maintained a hitless and scoreless record. This showcases the Japanese player’s talent, emphasizing that Roberts should consider him when deciding the closer for future games.

Dodgers’ veteran Freddie Freeman talks about Sasaki

Freddie Freeman was impressed by Sasaki’s performance on Monday night against the Phillies. He lauded Sasaki’s role in closing a challenging game, a decisive triumph for the Dodgers in the NLDS.

“I think today is the most pressure situation obviously you put him [Roki Sasaki] in… to get thrown into that and to be calm, I thought the first pitch swing there was a really good pitch. And throwing a 101 MPH ball was something that in dugout we thought that could have let him pitch a little bit longer. He looks so confident now and even with the outs he looks like he can do it every time,” Freeman said of Sasaki to reporters.

Despite encountering challenges during the regular season, Sasaki’s performance since rejoining the roster has been nothing short of remarkable. Roberts has commented on Sasaki’s contributions, outlining his role for the rest of the postseason but stopped short of naming him the team’s closer, even as Sasaki excels in high-leverage situations.

During a press conference ahead of Game 2 against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS, Roberts described Sasaki as “one of our top high-end leverage relievers.” However, he avoided labeling him the Dodgers‘ closer for upcoming games, acknowledging Sasaki’s strong performances in crucial moments while leaving the decision open.

With Roberts’ remarks, Dodgers fans eagerly await the announcement of who will fill the closer role in the critical games ahead. Sasaki remains a strong contender to close out matches, though Roberts has not committed to this as his primary role on the field.

Sasaki makes history alongside Ohtani in Game 1

Sasaki’s ability to deliver high-speed pitches has not gone unnoticed among fans, especially as he now forms a formidable tandem with Shohei Ohtani in the Dodgers’ pitching staff. This pairing has heightened expectations for even greater postseason feats.

In their remarkable display, Sasaki and Ohtani became only the second Japanese-born duo to record a win and a save in a Divisional Series since Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara achieved the feat with the Boston Red Sox in 2013, during Game 6 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers.

With this promising scenario, Dodgers fans are keen to witness the best efforts from the Japanese duo as the team is projected to advance further in the postseason, aiming to continue their strong run through the remaining challenges.

After a challenging start in MLB with the Dodgers, he finally unlocked his potential during the critical moments against the Reds, a team that struggled to showcase their talent in this series and is now looking ahead with optimism for the next season.

“The atmosphere was intense, and it was my first time pitching at night. The crowd really helped me focus, and I’m very pleased with the result,” Sasaki told SNY, sharing his insights on the Dodgers’ success on Wednesday.

With Sasaki in excellent form, the Dodgers are in contention to defend their title this year. The team will also rely on Shohei Ohtani, who is set to make his postseason debut as a pitcher, a factor that could significantly alter the course of the season for the Los Angeles franchise.

Sasaki unleashes seven fastballs against the Reds

The Dodgers’ fan base has a lot to celebrate as Sasaki made a triumphant return to the roster on Wednesday night against the Reds, showcasing an impressive array of fastballs that left spectators in awe. Remarkably, the slowest of his pitches clocked in at 99.8 mph, while the rest shattered the 100 mph barrier, underscoring Sasaki’s electric talent on the mound.

Here are the fastballs Sasaki delivered against the Reds:

1. 4-Seam Fastball: 101.4 mph
2. 4-Seam Fastball: 101.1 mph
3. 4-Seam Fastball: 100.7 mph
4. 4-Seam Fastball: 100.5 mph
5. 4-Seam Fastball: 100.5 mph
6. 4-Seam Fastball: 100.3 mph
7. 4-Seam Fastball: 99.8 mph

Dodgers’ fan base rallies behind Sasaki

The excitement among Dodgers fans is palpable as they rally behind the Japanese sensation, who is making waves in the pitching bullpen. During one of Sasaki’s lightning-fast deliveries, the fans erupted in chants, urging him on as he faced down the Reds’ hitters, adding an electrifying atmosphere to the game.

With emotions running high and a strengthening Japanese connection alongside Shohei Ohtani, Sasaki could play a pivotal role in the upcoming challenges, particularly against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies have emerged as formidable contenders for a spot in this year’s World Series, making Sasaki’s performance all the more critical as the Dodgers prepare to face one of their top rivals.

After a four-month hiatus from official MLB games, Sasaki received a much-anticipated recall from head coach Dave Roberts, who demonstrated renewed faith in him. Sasaki seized the opportunity against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, showing his readiness to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

Roberts addressed the media regarding Sasaki’s impactful return and how he could be pivotal during the postseason, amid the Dodgers’ pitching staff struggles. “Roki can provide a significant boost to our roster. It’s a matter of placing trust in our players, and I have faith in him. He delivered an excellent performance tonight,” said Roberts.

Roberts further highlighted how Sasaki, along with players like Blake Snell, could be instrumental for the Dodgers as they aim to defend their title this year. “Blake stepped up with a solid inning, bringing energy to the team, and Sasaki, though less expected, has prepared diligently for this moment. I had no concerns; his pitching tonight was exceptional,” Roberts commented.

Sasaki’s triumphant return

Since May, Sasaki had been absent from the MLB stage with the Dodgers, and during his early stint, his statistics fell short of expectations. He allowed more hits (29) than strikeouts recorded (24), struggling to maintain an ERA of 4.72 through his initial outings as a Dodger.

After a four-month rehabilitation from injury, Sasaki returned to action with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, aiming to rediscover his groove at the MLB level. His fastball velocity, consistently topping 95 MPH, echoed the prowess that had initially captivated the Dodgers’ organization and brought him stateside.

On Wednesday night, Sasaki delivered a promising 1.0 inning of relief against the Diamondbacks, remaining scoreless and hitless while fanning two of the three batters he faced in the game’s final stages. Although a seamless performance might seem routine for a player of his caliber, it injects a much-needed boost into the Dodgers’ bullpen, a unit beset by late-game challenges.

Sasaki reflects on his return

After the game, the Japanese sensation addressed the media, sharing his thoughts on his performance and his journey back to the main roster. “I just had to be creative in terms of preparing. As a reliever, it’s a short period of time to warm up, so that’s probably the biggest difference,“ Sasaki said.

Sasaki continued: “I’m just really appreciative that I had the chance to interact with the team, as that helped me to get where I am. My health and mechanics are in a good place, and that helped me perform well tonight.”

In an exciting development, the Dodgers are set to welcome another standout back into their lineup for the remainder of the season. Fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Roki Sasaki, who has been sidelined since May.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Sasaki is expected to take the field this Wednesday for the second game of the series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Following the challenges faced by Tanner Scott in the series opener, in which head coach Dave Roberts even delivered a few words for him, Dodgers fans are keen to see what Sasaki brings to the table in the regular season. After an extensive recovery and several rehabilitation games, Sasaki’s powerful arm and potential to make an impact are crucial for Roberts and his strategic plans.

Nightengale indicate that Sasaki won’t just make a brief appearance on Wednesday; he’ll be part of the roster for the remainder of the season. This development ignites hope among fans, envisioning another championship celebration with two Japanese stars leading the charge on the Dodgers’ roster.

Sasaki’s impact in the MiLB

As Sasaki is expected to return to the Dodgers‘ lineup after an absence since May, he is eager to capitalize on another opportunity to showcase his capabilities. His previous stint included mixed results over eight games, but he is ready for redemption.

In the Minor Leagues, one of the standout statistics that influenced the Dodgers’ decision to reintegrate him into the main roster was his impressive pitching velocity, consistently reaching 98 MPH with his sliders.

With the Dodgers striving to secure the NL West championship against the San Diego Padres, Sasaki’s return could be pivotal. His presence bolsters Los Angeles’s quest to make a significant statement as they aim to defend their title in the 2025 season.

At the start of the regular season, Sasaki struggled with confidence. A memorable image of him in tears following a challenging performance early on symbolized his rocky start. However, after missing numerous matchups and focusing on rehabilitation, Sasaki might soon be back in action.

In a media briefing ahead of Sunday’s series finale against the San Francisco Giants, head coach Dave Roberts delivered some promising updates about Sasaki. Depending on his performance during the upcoming rehab assignment with the Oklahoma City Dodgers (OKC), he could rejoin the main roster for the closing games of the regular season.

Recent performances with the OKC have been promising, showcasing Sasaki’s outstanding capabilities. This resurgence is building his confidence and inching him closer to delivering the high-level play that was expected from him when he transitioned from the Japanese baseball league.

Sasaki’s performance in limited action

During his stint with the Dodgers, spanning just eight games, Sasaki’s statistics reflected his struggles. While his record with the OKC includes 18 strikeouts and a 1.68 WHIP, his impressive numbers from Japan haven’t seamlessly translated to Major League Baseball. His ERA is currently at 4.72, alongside 24 strikeouts.

Sasaki has allowed 29 hits, 18 runs, 6 home runs, and 22 walks, raising concerns about his adaptation to MLB standards. Arriving from Japan and debuting shortly after set high expectations; however, Sasaki has yet to fully meet those expectations.

In his current form, dependent on further performances with the OKC, Roki Sasaki could still become an integral piece in an organization eyeing to defend its 2025 title. His potential for improvement remains promising as he continues to adjust to the demands of MLB.

The young Japanese star is delivering numbers reminiscent of the expectations set when he joined the team. Coach Roberts commented on Sasaki’s rehab performance, expressing pleasant surprise. “That’s a good thing, that’s good thing for the team and for him, we will have some conversations about him to detail what he is doing,” Roberts told the media before the game against the Colorado Rockies.

As the Dodgers approach the postseason, Sasaki might be a key player in the upcoming matchups. The team is on the verge of securing a direct playoff spot, but whether Sasaki will return in time for this crucial phase remains uncertain.

In the meantime, the Dodgers are working diligently to secure their spot, maintaining their position as one of the top contenders in the National League despite facing regular-season challenges. As the World Series nears, the Los Angeles franchise remains formidable.

Sasaki shines in MiLB return

Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki showcased his impressive talent in the Minor Leagues on Tuesday, signaling his readiness to make waves. Known for his powerful arm, Sasaki averaged over 98 mph on his fastballs, creating significant challenges for opposing hitters and signaling a comeback from his early-season injury struggles.

Sasaki demonstrated his prowess with six pitches clocking in at over 100 mph, alongside 16 whiffs out of 35 swings, and recording a season-high eight strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings pitched.

Such standout statistics suggest that Sasaki could seamlessly integrate into the Dodgers’ bullpen, potentially serving as a key support player behind league standout Clayton Kershaw. Considering the current challenges within the Dodgers’ pitching staff, Sasaki’s arm could provide a much-needed boost.

Should Sasaki maintain this form in his upcoming rehab assignments with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, Roberts might seriously contemplate a call-up to the majors. This move could prove beneficial, providing depth to the team and offering Sasaki a chance to solidify his position, particularly after a challenging season start.

Despite a series victory over the Giants on Sunday, Roberts expressed his frustration regarding the status of a player who has been sidelined with an injury for the past few weeks. While the player’s performance has not been particularly outstanding as he acclimates to Major League Baseball, his impact on the team against other franchises was noteworthy.

Although his statistics haven’t been remarkable, he is committed to the challenge of becoming a stellar player in his first MLB season, having joined the Dodgers this year from Japan. If you guessed that the player is Roki Sasaki, you are correct.

The Japanese sensation faced a challenging start with the Dodgers due to a shoulder injury. Despite his efforts to get back on the mound in recent days, Roberts candidly addressed Sasaki’s potential return. “We have to plan on life without him at least this year, that’s fair to say,” Roberts told the media.

Sasaki’s injury

After signing with the Dodgers in January 2025 and earning a spot on their Opening Day roster, Sasaki began his MLB career on a positive note, even securing his first major league win on May 3. However, concerns arose as his performance started to decline, and reports indicated a noticeable drop in his fastball velocity.

On May 13, 2025, Sasaki was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. This setback is reminiscent of an injury he suffered during his final season in Japan in 2024, although Sasaki has assured fans that the current injury is “actually less severe.”

The Dodgers face a daunting challenge without Sasaki in their rotation as they pursue a World Series title, seeking to become one of the few teams to win the Commissioners’ Trophy in consecutive years.

Dodgers, ready for upcoming challenges

Without Sasaki, the Dodgers’ roster must navigate the regular season’s challenges. Led by superstar Shohei Ohtani, the team is poised to be the frontrunner in the NL West and make a strong push for the postseason. However, the road ahead is far from easy. Fortunately, with Freddie Freeman poised for a standout performance and other key players like Mookie Betts in top form, the Dodgers are resolute in their quest to reclaim the title this year.

Following manager Dave Roberts’ plan, the 23-year-old right-hander entered the game as a reliever in the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds. This came after fellow Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs.

Sasaki took the mound and immediately made an impact, pitching three scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out five batters. His signature splitter was as lethal as advertised, leaving several Reds batters completely baffled.

While Sasaki did show some control issues—hitting Stuart Fairchild with a pitch, walking Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and throwing a wild pitch—the positives far outweighed the negatives in this dazzling first impression.

Sasaki’s confidence and adaptability

As one of MLB’s most coveted international signings and a top prospect, Sasaki is adjusting to Major League competition, even if it’s just spring training. He believes he has the tools to make a smooth transition to this level.

“I did feel really good about being able to jam some hitters, and as long as I throw quality pitches, I should be able to get these guys out,” Sasaki said after the Dodgers’ win, per SportsNet LA.

A key piece in a star-studded rotation

The Dodgers’ pitching staff is already loaded with talent, but Sasaki’s arrival adds another layer of depth and potential. Despite being surrounded by stars, the two-time Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) All-Star isn’t lowering his expectations for his first MLB season.

Sasaki: Aspirations of greatness

Sasaki’s debut was a reminder of his immense potential and the high expectations surrounding him. If he can maintain this level of performance, he could quickly become a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ pitching staff.

Opinions on how Sasaki will perform in his first MLB season are mixed. The 22-year-old arrives with high expectations after drawing significant interest from multiple teams. While his velocity and stats from Japan are impressive, the transition to Major League Baseball presents an entirely new challenge.

Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto played a crucial role in Sasaki’s recruitment, and their presence could be instrumental in his adaptation. Having experienced the transition themselves, they provide a unique support system, helping him navigate both the language barrier and the adjustments required to succeed at the highest level.

After a recent practice, Sasaki shared his thoughts on working alongside his fellow countrymen. He acknowledged the impact of Ohtani and Yamamoto in his early days with the Dodgers and how their guidance is helping him settle in. “They’ve been really helpful in guiding me through things I don’t know about,” Sasaki said. “As games start, there will be even more of those things, so being able to talk to them will be really valuable.”

Dodgers GM shares thoughts on Sasaki’s arrival

There’s already plenty of excitement surrounding Sasaki at Dodgers spring training. Manager Dave Roberts was among the first to weigh in on the highly touted Japanese pitcher, commenting on his initial bullpen sessions. Following Roberts, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes also shared his thoughts on Sasaki’s arrival.

“A lot of years of scouting and hard work went into this… He has the potential to be another ace-caliber pitcher for us,” Gomes said. After extensive negotiations in Japan, the Dodgers front office successfully convinced Sasaki to sign with Los Angeles despite strong interest from multiple MLB teams.

Ohtani weighs in on Sasaki’s transition

Shohei Ohtani also spoke to the media following practice, offering his perspective on Sasaki’s transition to Major League Baseball. The two-time MVP addressed the buzz surrounding his fellow countryman and his early impressions of him in camp.

“I didn’t give him any special advice. I think the most important thing is for him to enjoy this environment—that will be key to adapting here,” Ohtani said. “I did see him on the mound throwing in front of the crowd yesterday, and I thought it was great.”