Dodgers Confirm Sasaki as Starter Despite Spring Struggles

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki closed out spring training with a troubling performance Monday night, March 23, 2026, at Dodger Stadium, where he struggled with command in an exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels. The 24-year-old right-hander failed to record an out in the first inning, hit a batter, walked three consecutive hitters to force in two runs, and was pulled after 30 pitches, only 13 of which were strikes. Despite the shaky outing, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Sasaki will start the fourth game of the regular season against the Cleveland Guardians on March 30.

Sasaki's issues persisted across his four spring appearances, where he posted a 15.58 ERA over 8 2/3 innings, issuing 15 walks while striking out just seven. In Monday's game, which ended in a 7-7 tie, he returned for the second inning and again hit leadoff batter Zach Neto before walking Mike Trout. He escaped further damage with a double play but allowed another earned run in the fourth after issuing a leadoff walk to Adam Frazier, who scored on Nolan Schanuel's sacrifice fly. Overall, Sasaki threw 66 pitches, with 32 strikes, surrendering five earned runs on no hits and two...