In Surprise, Arizona, Roki Sasaki's recent performance on the mound caught the attention of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who had plenty to say about the young pitcher's outing. Roberts observed, "The stuff was good," highlighting Sasaki's impressive split-finger fastball.
However, the third inning presented challenges, with Sasaki struggling to find the strike zone, resulting in three-ball counts and three walks. Roberts noted, "We had to get him out of there to reset and work on getting that pitch count up."
Despite these hiccups, Roberts saw progress. "We got him into the fifth inning, which is a step forward," he remarked.
The manager emphasized the importance of efficiency and making quicker adjustments during games. "Roki needs to learn to adjust on the fly because things don't always go as planned," Roberts explained, acknowledging the learning curve Sasaki is navigating.
Roberts isn't overly concerned with spring training stats. "It's about making in-game adjustments," he said.
"Even without your best stuff, you have to find ways to get outs." Sasaki's ability to push the pitch count higher was a positive takeaway, though Roberts was cautious when Sasaki began cramping.
"We reached the fifth inning, and that's progress."
Addressing Sasaki's focus on mechanics, Roberts noted, "He might get too fixated on mechanics at times, but that's common among young players. There's a time for mechanics and a time to compete."
For Dodgers fans, this outing offered a glimpse into Sasaki's current status. The talent is undeniable, and these early games are crucial for transforming that talent into consistent, effective performances when the stakes are higher.