Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki has recently demonstrated improved performance, including a faster fastball and better command, coinciding with the use of a visibly larger glove. This adjustment appears to have addressed earlier issues with pitch tipping.
Sasaki's recent outings have seen his fastball average over 100 mph, with some pitches nearing 102 mph. This resurgence follows a period of inconsistency, including a rough start against the Padres on July 2. Following that game, Sasaki worked on his lower-body mechanics, which he believes contributed to his improved delivery and pitch velocity. He expressed confidence in maintaining these gains, noting that his pitches felt strong without him feeling like he was exerting excessive effort.
Despite feigned ignorance from pitching coach Mark Prior, assistant pitching coach Connor McGuiness, and manager Dave Roberts regarding the glove change, its correlation with Sasaki's improved performance is evident. The larger yellow Nike glove, first noticed after the All-Star break, is seen as a solution to the pitch-tipping concerns that had previously affected his game.
In other Dodgers news, third baseman Max Muncy has experienced a resurgence at the plate since the All-Star break. Muncy, who had seen his performance dip towards the end of the first half of the season, found a renewed effectiveness after the short break. He recently hit his third home run of the post-break road trip, helping him reach the 20-homer mark for the season. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Muncy's strong hitting, noting that the break provided a physical benefit for the veteran player. Muncy is currently leading all National League third basemen in OPS and FanGraphs' WAR, with his defense also contributing to his recent success.
Mike Sirota, a breakout prospect in the Dodgers' farm system, has continued his impressive season. Despite his near-historic 72-game on-base streak being snapped this week, he responded with multiple multi-hit games, including home runs and RBIs. The 23-year-old outfielder is now considered a consensus top-20 prospect in baseball. The team also appears unlikely to make significant moves at the trade deadline, with indications they are prepared to rely on their current roster and the eventual returns of injured stars like Will Smith and Shohei Ohtani.