Roki Sasaki’s return to the mound after a difficult rookie season has become a focal point during early spring training, raising questions about his readiness as a Dodgers starter. When Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked about Sasaki’s role in the rotation, he quickly emphasized that the young pitcher still has significant development ahead, particularly with adding another pitch to his mix. Sasaki himself has shared that he is currently working on two additional pitches.
Despite receiving advice from Dodgers’ pitching coach Rob Hill during last year’s extended time in Triple-A, Sasaki claimed that the late-season improvements he made were driven by his own motivation, a point highlighted by Dylan Hernández of the California Post. This has stirred debate about Sasaki’s willingness to embrace coaching, intensifying the underlying question: can he establish himself as a reliable major league starter?
Mixed Results in First Spring Appearance Against Arizona
Sasaki’s spring debut against the Diamondbacks offered little comfort to Dodgers fans. He quickly allowed a leadoff single followed by a walk before recording his first out. Two consecutive doubles gave Arizona a 3-0 advantage early on, though Sasaki managed to strike out the next two batters. After starting the second inning with another strikeout, he was removed after issuing a second walk.
During this outing, Sasaki’s fastball reached 98.6 mph, demonstrating his continuing velocity strength. His strikeouts showcased a variety of pitches: a 97 mph fastball to Jordan Lawlar, a sinker low in the strike zone against Ryan Waldschmidt, and a cutter also placed down in the zone. The cutter, a relatively new addition to his arsenal, produced mixed outcomes, including Nolan Arenado’s first double of the game for the Diamondbacks.
Ongoing Development and Uncertain Future Role
Spring training remains a period for adjusting and sharpening skills, and Sasaki is no exception. The Dodgers have kept him close by opting out of sending him to the World Baseball Classic, signaling a preference for focused development. However, this debut has intensified speculation about whether Sasaki’s long-term future lies in the starting rotation or as a high-velocity reliever coming in during critical late innings.
While there is promise in Sasaki’s raw talent and arm strength, it is clear he faces a demanding path ahead to secure a dependable spot on the Dodgers’ pitching staff. His journey through spring training will be crucial in determining the trajectory of his major league career.
“Roki Sasaki in his Spring 2026 debut for the Dodgers:3 K3 H2 BB36 Pitches1.1 Innings Pitched” ?Dodgers Nation
Roki Sasaki in his Spring 2026 debut for the Dodgers:
3 K
3 H
2 BB
36 Pitches
1.1 Innings Pitched pic.twitter.com/0wFouLxlkL— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) February 25, 2026
