Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki Improving in Key Area Despite Struggles
Dodgers' pitcher Roki Sasaki has underwhelmed in 2026 relative to expectations, but there are still improvements from 2025.
The 2026 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers starting Roki Sasaki has been rough from the outset, with a poor Spring Training and inconsistency during the early part of the regular season. Sasaki has a 6. 11 ERA through 17.
2 innings pitched and four starts, with a 1. 87 WHIP and 17 total strikeouts. He has been below replacement level, according to FanGraphs, posting a -0.
2 fWAR, and despite moments when everything is clicking, Sasaki is still losing his command at various points. With his continued struggles, there are growing calls for Sasaki to move into the bullpe n, where he thrived during the 2025 postseason. Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) attempts a pick off to first base in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images However, it is worth noting that Sasaki has looked better than he did in 2025, and while it is not a high bar to clear, he has a more confident demeanor. In fact, according to FanGraphs’ Stuff+ metrics, which are based on a pitcher’s ability to generate weak contact and whiffs, along with a pitch’s spin, movement, and velocity, Roki Sasaki has been one of the biggest risers.