Dodgers' Sabanero Sasaki Sees Raging Strikelet Disappointing in PCL Clash
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Roki Sasaki had another up-and-down performance in a spring training game against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday as he tries to solidify his spot in the Los Angeles Dodgers ' starting rotation. The 24-year-old Japanese right-hander got off to a good start, giving up one hit, walking one and striking out two through two scoreless innings.
But after fanning Gavin Cross to start the third, he lost command, walking three straight before manager Dave Roberts took him out of the game. Roberts said he was encouraged by aspects of Sasaki's outing, but there needs to be more efficiency. “You’ve got to be able to take down innings and be able to make adjustments sooner,” Roberts said.
“I know there were some things he was working through tonight, but when you’re in the middle of a game, you’ve got to find a way to adjust quicker. That’s something that’s probably part of the learning curve for him. ” Sasaki re-entered in the fourth — a quirk that's allowed during spring training — and struck out two more while also allowing a two-run homer.
He started the fifth, giving up a hard-hit double to veteran Starling Marte before leaving the game for good. The final line: 3 1/3 innings, four hits, three earned runs, four walks and five strikeouts. Sasaki threw 71 pitches, including 38 strikes.
“There are a lot of things I need to work on, but it's just spring training," he said through an interpreter. Sasaki's positives are obvious. He has an electric fastball that touched 99 mph on Tuesday, a great splitter and a newly added cutter that was often effective.