The Dodgers faithful have had mixed feelings about Roki Sasaki since his spring training debut, where he struggled, giving up three runs in just over an inning. In subsequent outings, Sasaki showed brief flashes of potential, only to follow them with performances that left fans scratching their heads.
His most recent line was particularly perplexing: 2 innings pitched, 0 hits, 5 earned runs, 2 hit batters, 6 walks, and 2 strikeouts. For those already skeptical of Sasaki, this confirmed their concerns. Even those holding out hope found themselves reconsidering.
Katie Woo of The Athletic was one of Sasaki's few vocal supporters among Dodgers beat writers. Initially, she urged patience, saying, "Let's calm down about Roki Sasaki."
However, after his latest performance, Woo acknowledged her growing concern, stating, "I've changed my tune. It's time to worry about Roki Sasaki."
Woo clarified she wasn't advocating for a demotion but admitted Sasaki's struggles were her top concern.
While it's easy to overreact to spring training stats, especially after just a few innings, Sasaki's ongoing issues raise legitimate questions. His rookie season didn't inspire confidence, and his stint as the Dodgers' postseason closer now seems puzzling. Can he rediscover that form, or would a bullpen role suit him better?
Sasaki is set to start against the Guardians on Monday. While their lineup has a few threats, it offers a relatively gentle introduction to the season. However, if Sasaki's struggles persist, the Dodgers might need to consider a stint in Oklahoma City to help him find his groove.