Dodgers’ New Pitcher Roki Sasaki Continues Spring Training Struggles

Los Angeles Dodgers' rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki had another difficult outing during spring training, walking six batters and giving up five runs in just over two innings against the Angels. The 24-year-old Japanese pitcher now has a 15.58 ERA through four exhibition games, raising concerns about his readiness for the regular season.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers’ newest pitcher Roki Sasaki encountered more difficulties during Monday night’s spring training matchup.

The Japanese rookie surrendered five runs while walking six batters in just over two innings of work against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Out of his 66 total pitches, only 32 found the strike zone.

Through four spring training appearances, the right-handed pitcher has compiled a troubling 15.58 ERA for the reigning World Series champions. With 15 walks issued across 8 2/3 innings, concerns are mounting about whether he’ll be ready when the regular season begins.

When the Dodgers face Arizona in their season opener Thursday night, Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the mound instead.

Sasaki’s Monday performance got off to a disastrous start in the first inning, where he recorded no outs. After hitting Zach Neto with a 3-0 fastball and allowing Mike Trout to reach on a fielder’s choice, he walked three straight batters before manager Dave Roberts pulled him for Ronan Kopp.

The 24-year-old returned to pitch the second inning, where he again hit Neto and walked Trout before managing to work out of trouble with two ground ball outs.

In the third frame, Sasaki walked Yoán Moncada to start the inning but recovered by striking out Jo Adell and Josh Lowe. Logan O’Hoppe’s line drive to second base ended the inning.

After walking Adam Frazier to begin the fourth inning, Sasaki was pulled for Ben Casparius. Frazier eventually came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Nolan Schanuel.

The young pitcher joined the Dodgers organization in January 2025 on a minor league contract, earning a $6.5 million signing bonus under international signing rules that apply to players under 25. He spent his previous four professional seasons playing in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League.

A right shoulder impingement limited Sasaki’s availability for most of last season, where he posted a 1-1 record with a 4.46 ERA across eight starts and two relief outings.

However, he made a strong comeback in September and became crucial to the team’s postseason success, allowing just one earned run over 10 2/3 innings while recording three saves to help the Dodgers capture their second consecutive championship.