Roki Sasaki Struggles in Second Start of the Season
Los Angeles Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki’s struggles in 2026 continued Sunday, as he allowed six runs through five innings of work. Sasaki started off strong in the game, getting through the first inning in just nine pitches. He also posted a scoreless second inning despite handing out his first free pass of the outing, striking out two batters get through the frame.
Things began to fall apart in the third inning, when Sasaki allowed a one-out walk followed by a two-run shot from Luis Garcia Jr. It didn’t get better in the fourth inning, as former Dodger Keibert Ruiz drove in a run with a single for the Washington Nationals’ third run of the game. Jose Tena followed him with a single, and All-Star outfielder James Wood capped off the inning with a three-run homer to center field.
Sasaki came out for the fifth inning after his rough fourth, and managed to retire the side in order to end his outing. Apr 5, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images How Has Roki Sasaki Played in 2026?
Sasaki had a solid first regular season outing in 2026, allowing one run through four innings against the Cleveland Guardians earlier in the week. He received a loss for the outing because the Dodgers’ bats couldn’t catch up to the Guardians, but it was a promising outing given how his spring went. During spring training, Sasaki had difficulty in all of his outings against major league opposition.
Through his four starts in spring training, Sasaki allowed 15 runs through 8. 2 innings pitched, striking out 12 batters but walking 15. Manager Dave Roberts revealed Sasaki’s spring didn’t impress him after his final start of the preseason, but was hopeful the right-hander could find his way back to the dominant, confident pitcher we all saw in the postseason.