Roki Sasaki ‘Biggest Disappointment’ Among MLB Starters

ESPN’s Jeff Passan named Los Angeles Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki as the biggest early disappointment among starters this season. Sasaki has had a rough time through six starts this season, largely struggling with keeping batters off the basepaths. Opposing batters have a .

304 batting average against the right-hander this season, and he’s also allowed 13 walks. He has a 6. 35 ERA through five starts so far, and has allowed at least one homer in each of his last four appearances.

“Sasaki has been wild and hittable, leading to an unsightly 1. 809 WHIP,” Passan said . “He has allowed 13 walks, 28 hits and seven home runs in just 22?

innings. The splitter can still be an effective wipeout pitch, but the problem is getting to it in a strikeout count: Though Sasaki throws plenty hard, averaging 97 mph on his fastball, it’s straight and doesn’t miss bats. Batters are 17-for-43 (.