Roki Sasaki Faces Early Struggles as Dodgers Prepare for 2026 Season

Roki Sasaki entered the Los Angeles Dodgers organization last season with high expectations, hailed as one of Japan’s most promising pitching talents. His transition to Major League Baseball, however, proved challenging, as the right-hander struggled through the 2025 regular season. While his talent was undeniable, consistent results eluded him, raising questions about how he would adapt to the MLB level.

Sasaki found some success during the Dodgers’ postseason run as a reliever, stepping in when the team’s usual bullpen options faltered. The role highlighted his potential in high-pressure situations, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made it clear that Sasaki’s long-term future would remain in the starting rotation. Despite postseason flashes, the organization is committed to helping him develop as a full-time starter.

Spring Training 2026 has presented a fresh set of challenges for Sasaki. In his start against the Kansas City Royals, he lasted just 3.1 innings, giving up four hits, walking four batters, and allowing three runs. Sasaki explained that he was experimenting with a sinker during the outing, which contributed to his uneven performance.

Despite the rocky start, Sasaki remained confident in his development. “There’s a lot of things I need to work on … But the result in Spring Training doesn’t really matter,” he said. The Dodgers appear willing to be patient, prioritizing long-term growth over short-term results.

1. Early Spring Training Difficulties

Sasaki’s struggles this spring are a continuation of issues from the previous season. Through 3.1 innings in two Spring Training appearances, he posted an alarming 18.9 ERA. His first outing against the Cleveland Guardians saw him surrender four runs in just two innings, giving up two hits, three walks, and a home run. These performances have underscored the adjustment period required for a young pitcher transitioning from Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB. The Dodgers are careful not to overreact to early spring numbers, emphasizing the experimental nature of Spring Training. Sasaki has been using this time to refine his mechanics and expand his pitch arsenal, including working on the sinker that contributed to his struggles against the Royals. For the organization, these outings are as much about skill development as they are about results. Observers note that adjusting to MLB hitters, managing control, and refining pitch selection are common challenges for pitchers in Sasaki’s position. While the statistical line from his first two starts is concerning, the underlying focus is on long-term improvement rather than immediate success. The team continues to monitor his workload and performance carefully, seeking to provide him with the right combination of coaching and in-game experience. The goal remains to maximize his potential as a starting pitcher rather than moving him permanently to the bullpen.

2. Commitment to the Starting Role

Despite the early-season setbacks, the Dodgers remain committed to Sasaki as a starting pitcher. Manager Dave Roberts reiterated that the team views him as a starter until further notice, emphasizing the importance of development and opportunity. “I think it can change, but I don’t think it’s going to change before we break camp,” Roberts said. “We see him as a starter and giving him every opportunity for success.” The organization’s strategy is to build Sasaki’s confidence while giving him repeated exposure to live-game situations. This approach is intended to allow him to adjust gradually to MLB-level hitting, learn from mistakes, and develop consistency in his pitch execution. Sasaki’s repertoire, including fastballs, sliders, and now the sinker, is being honed with the goal of making him a more complete and effective starter. Coaches stress that patience is key, as rushing his development could hinder long-term performance. The Dodgers’ philosophy reflects a broader trend in MLB of investing in young international pitchers, recognizing that early struggles do not preclude future success. For Sasaki, the path forward remains challenging but promising if progress continues steadily.

3. Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season

The upcoming regular season will be a critical period for Sasaki. How he performs in the first few months could shape his role and confidence heading into the midseason stretch. While Spring Training numbers are not necessarily predictive, they offer insight into areas that require improvement, including control, pitch location, and in-game adjustments. The Dodgers’ commitment to him suggests they are willing to tolerate short-term struggles for the sake of long-term potential. By keeping him in the rotation and providing targeted coaching, the team aims to help Sasaki become a reliable starter capable of handling a full MLB workload. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, balancing high expectations with the understanding that transitions from international leagues can take time. If Sasaki can refine his control and adapt to major league hitters, he could become a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ rotation for years to come. Spring Training continues to be a proving ground, not only for Sasaki but for the Dodgers’ strategy of integrating young, high-potential talent into the rotation while maintaining competitiveness at the major league level.