The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a 12-7 victory over the San Diego Padres on Thursday, extending their lead in the National League West to 13 games. However, the win was overshadowed by Roki Sasaki's early struggles, which saw the team fall behind by six runs. This latest performance has raised concerns about the Japanese phenom's midseason regression.
On the latest episode of the Dodgers Post podcast, California Post baseball writers Dylan Hernandez and Jack Harris delved into Sasaki's recent outing. Hernandez discussed the pitcher's explanation for the poor performance, exploring whether tipping pitches could have been a contributing factor. Harris questioned Sasaki's ability to find consistency throughout the season, suggesting the pitcher is running out of justifications for his struggles and time to correct them as the Dodgers' rotation returns to full health.
The podcast also touched upon the team's recent offensive production, with the writers expressing optimism about its implications for a potential third consecutive World Series title. Additionally, they analyzed Dave Roberts' 1,000th career win and debated his legacy among the Dodgers' all-time managers.
The discussion concluded with the usual trivia segment and predictions. Host Jack Harris also showcased a "One Piece" hat, a giveaway item from Thursday's game at Dodger Stadium. The full episode is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.