Dodgers Issue Challenge to Struggling Pitcher Yoshinobu Sasaki as Playoff push Intensifies
OKLAHOMA CITY – Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has publicly challenged pitcher Yoshinobu Sasaki to improve his performance during his current rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, signaling growing concern over teh highly-touted prospect’s struggles as the team enters a critical phase of the season.Sasaki, signed to a lucrative contract in the offseason, has yet to deliver consistent results at the major league level and is now facing mounting pressure to earn his place in the Dodgers’ playoff rotation.
Sasaki posted a 4.72 ERA in his first eight major league starts, striking out just 24 batters in 34.1 innings. He exhibited control issues, walking batters at a high rate, and surrendered home runs frequently (1.57 per nine innings). Advanced metrics painted an even bleaker picture, with a 6.20 FIP and a 14.3% walk rate.
His struggles have continued during his rehab assignment. Through four starts with Oklahoma City, Sasaki has a 7.07 ERA across 14 innings, allowing 17 hits and eight walks. A concerning trend has emerged: a noticeable decline in his fastball velocity. Once consistently reaching 98-102 mph,Sasaki’s moast recent outing saw him averaging just 94.4 mph, resulting in consistent hard contact from Triple-A hitters.
Roberts has twice addressed the situation publicly, emphasizing the need for immediate advancement. “Again, I think the main thing for Roki is just performance. Increasing his velocity and command. Just pitching well,” Roberts said. “We’re in a playoff race. So he’s got to continue to raise his level to be here.” He added, “Like I said a couple weeks ago, we’ve got to go with our best guys. And this is the time, right now. Roki has gone through a lot this year. And he still has a ton of talent. We just want to see more.”
Sasaki acknowledged the urgency, stating, “My every intention is to get back on the major league mound and pitch again. With that being said, I do need to fight for the prospect, to. I don’t think that I’ll just be given the opportunity right away.So you know this month is going to be important for me, since I’ll be facing hitters throughout.”
The Dodgers currently have five healthy starting pitchers, and the impending return of Shohei Ohtani further complicates the picture. Sasaki’s future with the team this season hinges on a significant turnaround in his performance, as the Dodgers prioritize fielding their most competitive roster during their playoff pursuit. While the association remains optimistic about his long-term potential, the gap between expectation and reality is widening.
