Dodgers’ Pitching Rotation Gaining Momentum
The Dodgers’ starting rotation seems to be nearing its peak performance.
Well, unless Roki Sasaki runs into another setback.
At Dodger Stadium on Saturday, the team found some encouragement, even with uncertainties surrounding two of their other starters.
Blake Snell took the mound in the afternoon, facing batters for the first time this year while working towards a recovery from a left shoulder strain. Later, Emmett Sheehan played a significant role in a 6-3 victory against the Rangers, bouncing back from a slow start to give up three runs in six innings, improving from an 8.00 ERA.
This upcoming Sunday’s game now places the pressure on Sasaki to keep the rotation’s momentum going.
Since March 31, the Dodgers’ starting pitchers have consistently thrown at least five innings in ten games, and often go into the sixth inning.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed satisfaction with his bullpen’s management, highlighting their successful outing, where they logged 48 innings — the third-lowest in the majors this season. “That’s something we’re going to need,” Roberts said, acknowledging the need to rely on the bullpen going forward.
Sheehan’s turnaround was just one highlight from the recent games. Initially, in his first two starts, he struggled with mechanical issues, causing his fastball speed to drop and affecting his late-game movement.
With the coaching staff’s guidance, Roberts noted that Sheehan’s pitches had become “a little too east-west.” This week, they adjusted their rotation, giving Sheehan more time with pitching coaches to refine his mechanics. He learned to incorporate a “glove tap” at the start of his windup to improve timing, which helped his fastball regain its usual speed and sharpness.
Despite giving up two home runs to Brandon Nimmo during the game, Roberts praised Sheehan’s six strikeouts and overall performance as something he can build on moving forward. “After just a few outings, everything fell into place,” Sheehan mentioned optimistically.
Looking ahead, the question remains whether Sasaki can replicate this success when he pitches on Sunday. In his last outing, although he managed five complete innings, he allowed six runs and walked three batters against a struggling Nationals team.
Time is of the essence for Sasaki, especially with Snell making strides towards returning to the lineup next month. There’s an understanding, however, that if all goes well, Sasaki will not be moved to the bullpen as he was last season. Instead, the focus shifts to whether he can prove himself as a reliable starter as he continues to develop in the rotation.
