Roki Sasaki Has a Complicated Spring Training Debut
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki had a tough outing in his first spring training game on Wednesday. Sasaki allowed three runs, three hits and two walks in 1 1/3 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Japanese pitcher, known for his powerful arm, is competing for a spot in the starting rotation after his outstanding performance as a reliever in last year’s postseason, where he helped the Dodgers win their second consecutive World Series. Although he showed his characteristic power with the fastball, striking out three batters, only 17 of his 36 pitches were strikes. Sasaki allowed a single to the first batter, Geraldo Perdomo, and then walked Tim Tawa. With one out, Nolan Arenado hit a double that drove in Perdomo. Ildemaro Vargas followed with another double, scoring Tawa and Arenado, making the score 3-0. After a visit from pitching coach Mark Prior to the mound, Sasaki struck out Jordan Lawlar and Ryan Waldschmidt to end the inning.In the second inning, Sasaki struck out Druw Jones, but then gave a walk to Aramis Garcia and was replaced. His fastball reached 98.6 mph.
The 24-year-old player arrived in his rookie season with high expectations in 2025, but didn’t pitch much during the regular season, finishing with a 1-1 record and a 4.46 ERA in 36 1/3 irregular innings. He participated in 10 games, starting eight, and was out of action for more than four months due to a right shoulder ailment. Sasaki returned in September and became a key piece of the bullpen during the postseason, allowing only one earned run in 10 2/3 innings and earning three saves. Sasaki agreed to a minor league contract with a signing bonus of $6.5 million last offseason, becoming the thirteenth Japanese player to join the franchise.
