Los Angeles, CA – Despite a spring training ERA of 13.50, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga will be included in the team’s opening day starting rotation. The decision, announced earlier this week, has sparked debate among fans and analysts, given Imanaga’s struggles with control during the exhibition season.
Imanaga, 24, has been vying for a spot in the rotation, but his recent performances raised concerns. In his most recent spring training outing, Imanaga pitched 3.2 innings, allowing three runs on four hits, including a home run. He has given up 10 runs in 6.2 innings pitched across three starts. Roberts acknowledged the necessitate for improvement, stating, “When he’s solid, he’s really good. We just want him to be more efficient in the strike zone,” according to reports from the Liberty Times Net.
The Dodgers manager highlighted Imanaga’s control issues during a game on March 18th, where the pitcher walked three consecutive batters in the third inning, leading to his early removal. Nick Robertson relieved Imanaga and successfully navigated a bases-loaded situation with two strikeouts. Imanaga later returned to the mound in the fourth inning but was hit for a two-run home run. He finished the day allowing four hits and five walks in 3.2 innings.
Roberts emphasized the importance of quicker adjustments during games. “You have to be able to secure through every inning and make faster adjustments. I know he’s working through some things tonight, but in the game, you have to find a way to adjust faster. That’s part of the learning curve,” Roberts said, as reported by LTN Sports.
Imanaga himself acknowledged the need for improvement, stating through a translator, “There are still many things I need to work on. But this is spring training, so I’ll just keep doing what I need to do. Spring training results aren’t that important.”
Despite the spring training struggles, Roberts expressed confidence in Imanaga’s potential. However, a report from MSN indicated that the Dodgers are aware of the risk, suggesting Imanaga could be sent to Triple-A if his performance doesn’t stabilize. The Dodgers currently have a deep pitching staff, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Emmet Sheehan, creating a competitive environment for rotation spots.
On March 8th, Roberts discussed Imanaga’s situation with Japanese media, stating that a return to the major league starting rotation would be “quite challenging.” He also clarified that a move to the bullpen was not being considered at this time, preferring to allow Imanaga to continue developing as a starter in Triple-A.
Recent reports indicate Imanaga threw a fastball reaching 100.6 mph during a rehab start, but also struggled with control, walking five batters in 4.2 innings. Following that outing, Imanaga flew back to Los Angeles today to discuss his future with Dodgers management, according to UDN. Roberts indicated that all options, including a potential shift to the bullpen, would be considered. “We’ll consider what’s best for him and what’s best for the team. That question will be raised. Should he prepare as a starter, or adjust his role? All possibilities will be discussed,” Roberts stated.
The Dodgers are currently evaluating Imanaga’s progress and will make a final decision in the coming weeks, with the team’s postseason aspirations factoring heavily into the decision-making process. Roberts stressed that Imanaga needs to prove himself at the major league level, stating, “He has to show it at the big league level. There’s still time, but he has to prove it here. We’ll make a decision eventually, and we’ll know the direction in the next few weeks.”
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