In first start of 2026, Dodgers righty Roki Sasaki shows progress, delivers 4 innings to build on
Overpowering raw stuff allowed Sasaki to rack up nine whiffs on Monday vs. the Guardians.
For Roki Sasaki, progress. Sweet, sweet progress. The embattled Dodgers hurler, fresh off a spring training from hell, made his first start of the regular season on Monday.
It went very well, in terms of both process and results. Against a relatively meek Cleveland Guardians lineup, Sasaki struck out four across four frames, allowing four hits, two walks and one run. He was pulled for a reliever after surrendering a leadoff single in the fifth.
The Dodgers lost 4-2 after the Guardians scored three runs in the seventh. Crucially, Sasaki’s heater averaged 97. 6 mph on the night, up nearly a tick and a half compared to last season.
He topped out at 99. 5. Dwindling fastball velocity played a huge role in Sasaki’s ineffectiveness a year ago; with his lack of command, he needs to be pumping heat to be successful.
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