Dave Roberts Shares Reason for Roki Sasaki’s Spring Training Struggles

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki is totally out of sync, and his command is suffering as a result, leading to more walks than strikeouts during Spring Training Despite Sasaki lacking the ability to throw strikes consistently against hitters throughout the spring, manager Dave Roberts has remained firm in establishing the Japanese star’s status as a member of the starting rotation. However, as Sasaki has continued to unravel during his starts, Roberts has becoming increasing critical and brutally honest about Sasaki’s pitching performances. Mar 23, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) walks in the dugout after taking out from the game as Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) pats on the back during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium.

Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images “We’re going to run him out there. So for me to put my head in a space that there’s another alternative right now, that’s not helpful,” Roberts said. “We’re going to support him as much as we can, and then give him some runway, and then, you know, once the season starts, then it’s about production.

” Roberts believes that Sasaki’s problems stem from his overthinking and overanalyzing, rather than relying on his natural gifts and abilities that can deliver in moments. During the playoffs, Sasaki was able to use his stuff and a simplified arsenal to pitch effectively, though at the moment, as he tries to prove he can be a starter, he is thinking too much, per the manager.