Last Tuesday, during the Dodgers’ last preseason matchup against the Angels at Dodger Stadium, manager Dave Roberts stepped down from the dugout’s top step, eager to find Aki Sasaki.
To anyone watching, it seemed like Sasaki had faced an overwhelming spring training filled with warning signs. His ERA sat at a staggering 15.58, and he had walked 15 batters in just over 8 innings. The previous night, he broke a record by allowing six walks and hitting two batters, skirting the edge of a notable decline.
It felt like even his usual confidence had taken a hit.
In the bottom of the third inning of that game, Roberts made his way to the 24-year-old prodigy at the end of the dugout for a brief chat.
He placed his hands on Sasaki’s shoulders, offered a few encouraging words through an interpreter, and even managed to bring a faint smile to the young pitcher’s face.
This interaction was just one of many check-ins that Roberts and the coaching staff orchestrated to prep Sasaki for his upcoming regular-season debut on Monday against the Cleveland Guardians.
Despite his alarming spring performance and a rough 4.72 ERA in his initial year last season—complicated by shoulder troubles—Sasaki stayed in the opening rotation.
The Dodgers have been working to bolster his confidence while addressing inconsistencies in his pitching. In conversations and comments, they’ve been supportive.
“I just wanted to check on him and make sure he was okay,” Roberts explained after another talk with Sasaki earlier that day. “He looks good. He’s in a solid spot.”
That’s the hope—the team is counting on a significant turnaround for Sasaki compared to his spring outings. It’s hard to envision many other pitchers making it through the type of spring training he just went through.
Sasaki faced various mechanical issues, from lower body movement to upper body alignment, and even wrist pronation affecting his throws. It felt like he was still in developmental mode, trying to refine his commands and add a new pitch. With limited MLB experience, stepping into a starting role was a tall order.
So why did the Dodgers trust him to pitch Monday night?
“He performed on a big stage, in front of 50,000 fans, so we know he has the talent,” general manager Brandon Gomez shared. “Right now, it’s all about finding his rhythm and getting his pitches on track.”
Sasaki had shined in the postseason last October when he unexpectedly returned from a shoulder injury as a closer, boasting a 0.84 ERA with three saves in nine games. This past performance reassured the Dodgers that when he’s in “competition mode,” he can dominate hitters.
Their gamble rests on hoping he can recapture that energy as the regular season begins. Despite the rough spring, it seemed more like a product of the preseason atmosphere.
“What was really uplifting was seeing his speed and the effectiveness of his splitter,” Gomez noted. “The execution varied, but his new breaking ball has potential. A lot of positive elements are in play. The key is to sync those up and encourage him to take charge more often.”
Conversations like the one Roberts had with Sasaki, or moments when pitching coach Mark Prior sat with him on the field, are all part of the plan.
“I genuinely believe in him,” Roberts emphasized. “I’ll keep supporting him, as will our staff, and hope for improvements.”
The big question lingers: what if it doesn’t turn around?
Gomez addressed Sasaki’s comment about being open to a demotion, clarifying that such a decision isn’t presently on the table. Returning him to the bullpen isn’t an option, as the team has promised him a starting position after his surprising postseason showing last year.
However, if Sasaki’s spring performance continues into the season—like two or three-inning starts with multiple walks—that wouldn’t work well for a Dodgers team aiming to avoid over-relying on the bullpen.
But for now, the team is keeping its fingers crossed for a far better outcome, at least that’s the message they’re putting out.
“Even last year, when he was hurt, he somehow kept us competitive,” Gomez recalled, noting their 6-2 record early in a challenging season. “There’s a lot to be optimistic about regarding his character and competitive nature.”
Then, Gomez added a surprising remark, likely shocking anyone who witnessed Sasaki’s spring struggles. “Right now, there’s not much concern,” he asserted. “We’re focused on helping him win games.”
As Sasaki’s season debut approaches on Monday, uncertainty remains about what lies ahead.
