In a troubling development for the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitcher Roki Sasaki struggled significantly during a recent exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels on March 24, 2026. Sasaki issued six walks and gave up five runs in just two-plus innings, raising alarms about his readiness for the upcoming season.
Over the course of spring training, Sasaki has posted a dismal 15.58 ERA across four starts, with a staggering 15 walks in just 8⅔ innings pitched. This performance starkly contrasts with his postseason showing last year, where he allowed only one earned run over 10⅔ innings.
Sasaki’s challenges on the mound are particularly concerning as the Dodgers aim for a ‘three-peat’ after winning back-to-back World Series titles. The team has made significant moves in the offseason, including signing free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker to a lucrative $240 million deal and acquiring closer Edwin Diaz.
Despite Sasaki’s struggles, the Dodgers are set to start Yoshinobu Yamamoto in their season opener against Arizona, indicating a shift in their pitching strategy. Sasaki, who signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers in January 2025, received a $6.5 million signing bonus due to international signing bonus pool rules.
While the Dodgers are bolstering their roster with new talent, the introduction of ‘robot umpires’ in the new MLB season adds another layer of intrigue to the team’s strategy and performance.
As the Dodgers prepare for the regular season, the spotlight will be on Sasaki to see if he can overcome these early setbacks and contribute effectively to the team’s quest for another championship. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining his role moving forward.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any adjustments the Dodgers may make in response to Sasaki’s performance, but the organization is undoubtedly monitoring the situation closely.
