SURPRISE, Ariz. – Loki Sasaki remains unconcerned about his performance this spring.
The 24-year-old pitcher expressed confidence, saying, “If I can pitch all season, I don’t think anyone remembers spring training.” For now, he hopes that holds true.
In his latest outing against the Kansas City Royals during the Cactus League, however, his form was somewhat erratic, with a mix of promising moments and concerning missteps.
Initially, Sasaki demonstrated some solid potential, showcasing improved command of his fastball and a better feel for his new cutter. He seemed like he could handle the major league level.
But then, as is often the case during this transition, things started to unravel. He walked three batters in a row during the third inning and struggled to maintain control throughout his time on the mound.
After being ejected, he returned but quickly gave up a two-run home run. Ultimately, his performance reflected a disappointing stat line: 3 runs, 4 hits, and 4 walks in just 3 1/3 innings, alongside 5 strikeouts.
Despite some strides with his cutter, which resulted in three strikeouts out of six attempts, Sasaki’s overall performance was less than impressive—especially considering he was added to the Dodgers’ rotation.
Manager Dave Roberts downplayed the significance of Sasaki’s 13.50 ERA over three Cactus League games, emphasizing the need for quicker adjustments during games. “You’re not always going to be at your best,” he noted, urging Sasaki to find ways to get outs regardless of command issues.
So far in spring training, the only standout performance Sasaki had was a B game against a minor league pitcher, where he effectively used his trademark splitter. In other instances against major league hitters, inconsistency has raised concerns.
In the previous games, he attributed his struggles to mechanical adjustments in both his upper and lower body. On Tuesday, he noted that his walks were related to experimenting with a sinker, and this impacted his forearm. After returning for the fourth inning, he reported calf cramps following a hit from a fastball, leading to a trainer’s visit.
The fifth inning brought more trouble when Starling Marte hit a double off the wall, ending Sasaki’s night on a frustrating note.
In total, he threw 71 pitches but only 38 were strikes, managing to retire just 10 of the 18 batters he faced. This again prompted Roberts to explain the team’s ongoing belief in Sasaki’s potential.
“He needs to make quicker adjustments during the game,” Roberts said. “As a starter, you need to be efficient since you’re expected to face about 20 to 24 batters.”
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers still plan to have him start regular-season games. Memories of his successful stint as a playoff closer last October may be fading—especially since he had a 4.72 ERA before a shoulder injury earlier this season—but the team remains optimistic.
Perhaps, in a few months, this spring’s struggles will be behind him. Sasaki continues to throw in the low 90s, showcasing flashes of brilliance, especially with his fastball and splitter. The cutter is another evolving weapon in his arsenal, but integrating everything into a cohesive game plan continues to be a challenge.
For now, the specific results might not be paramount, but the important match is just around the corner. “When Loki is on, he’s really effective,” Roberts said. “We just need him to be efficient in the strike zone.”
