Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has observed significant progress in pitcher Roki Sasaki's performance during the first half of the season, despite acknowledging the young phenom's inconsistency. Roberts stated that Sasaki is "a grade and a half better" than when he began the season.
Sasaki, in his second MLB season, has shown flashes of brilliance with high-velocity fastballs and effective splitters, but has also struggled with command and consistency, leading to a 5.33 ERA and a 3-5 record. This inconsistency had been a point of frustration for Roberts, particularly a recent string of four starts that pushed his ERA to 5.40.
Roberts suggested that Sasaki may have been tipping his pitches and that his mechanics were not fully synchronized, impacting his velocity and command. However, Roberts emphasized that regardless of mechanical issues, Sasaki needed to improve his ability to compete on the mound.
A critical moment arrived in the fourth inning of a recent game against the Colorado Rockies. With runners on second and third and no outs, Sasaki was on the verge of allowing the Rockies to erase an early three-run lead. Instead of faltering, Sasaki showed focus and conviction, escaping the jam with back-to-back strikeouts and a fly ball. He went on to retire six consecutive batters, completing six innings and allowing three runs.
"To get out of that inning, you could see the demeanor walking off the mound, the confidence," Roberts said. "[He was] wanting for more."
Sasaki himself expressed dissatisfaction with his numbers but noted that he has maintained his spot in the rotation and seen an increase in velocity, which he finds encouraging. He acknowledged a need to improve his off-speed pitches to pitch more comfortably.
Despite his struggles, Sasaki has done enough to remain a part of the Dodgers' rotation through the All-Star break. While a healthy pitching staff might push him out of a starting role in the playoffs, his recent performance has provided the Dodgers with enough encouragement to believe in his continued development. The team hopes he can build on the fight he demonstrated in crucial moments throughout the remainder of the season.