As the Los Angeles Dodgers gear up to take on the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night, all eyes will be on Roki Sasaki, a pitcher with undeniable talent yet a bit of unpredictability this season.
Sasaki has already shown glimpses of greatness in his budding career, notably contributing to the Dodgers' World Series triumph in 2025 with his impressive relief performances.
However, his 2026 spring training was anything but smooth sailing. Transitioning back to a starting role, Sasaki's outings have been a mixed bag-dominating against minor league hitters but also struggling with a rocky start that saw him surrender a grand slam without recording an out.
So, the burning question is: Which version of Sasaki will take the mound on Monday?
Roki Sasaki's Prospects as a Starter in 2026
The Dodgers are banking on Sasaki to turn the corner this season, with efforts focused on boosting his confidence.
Despite his challenging spring numbers and a 4.72 ERA in eight starts as a rookie last year-when he was hampered by a shoulder issue-the Dodgers have kept faith in him as part of their opening day rotation. They're actively working on refining his delivery while maintaining his morale through direct support and public endorsements.
Manager Dave Roberts has been particularly attentive, making sure to check in with Sasaki regularly. “He looks great. He’s in a good spot,” Roberts shared, signaling optimism for Sasaki's potential impact.
What Does Sasaki Look Like ‘in a Good Spot’?
If Roberts’ assessment holds true, Sasaki could be a formidable force this season.
After overcoming his shoulder injury, Sasaki emerged as an unexpected hero in the playoffs, taking on the closer role with a remarkable 0.84 ERA across nine appearances, securing three saves and two holds.
General manager Brandon Gomes is confident in Sasaki's capabilities. The key now is consistency.
“He’s done it on the biggest stage, in front of 50,000, so we know it’s in there,” Gomes stated. “Now it’s just getting him in rhythm and consistently syncing up pitches.”
As the Dodgers prepare for their matchup, the anticipation surrounding Sasaki's performance adds an intriguing layer to the game. Whether he can harness his potential and deliver consistently will be crucial for the Dodgers' aspirations this season.