As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up for opening day, their starting rotation still has a few puzzle pieces to fit together. With Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow already penciled in, and Blake Snell sidelined with shoulder inflammation, two rotation spots are up for grabs.
Manager Dave Roberts recently confirmed that one of these spots will be filled by 24-year-old Roki Sasaki. Despite some bumps in the road during spring training, Sasaki is set to be a starter.
His ERA has been a hefty 13.50 over 6.2 innings, but Sasaki remains confident, emphasizing the importance of staying healthy throughout the season. He believes that consistent performance during the regular season will overshadow any spring training struggles.
Sasaki's offseason was focused on refining his mechanics, especially after missing significant time last year due to a shoulder impingement. While his velocity has been impressive, his command has been less so, with a concerning balance of 76 balls to 76 strikes in three starts. His recent outing against the Royals saw him walk three consecutive batters, highlighting an area that needs improvement.
The Dodgers signed Sasaki as a top prospect from Japan, and as he enters his second season, questions linger about the team's patience if his command issues persist. The competition for the final rotation spot is fierce, with Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski, and River Ryan all showcasing stronger spring performances.
Sheehan, with his experience, seems to be the frontrunner, having held the spot last season. However, Wrobleski and Ryan, along with a soon-to-return Snell, could complicate matters if Sasaki doesn't find his rhythm.
Last season, Sasaki found success as a reliever during the Dodgers' World Series run. If his starting struggles continue and the competition heats up, the Dodgers might need to get creative with his role once again.