Roki Sasaki: Everything you need to know

Sasaki (1-2) allowed four runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out five batters over five-plus innings to earn the win over the Cubs on Saturday. The outing was very much a mixed bag for Sasaki -- he impressed by throwing 20 of 23 first pitches for strikes and racking up 15 whiffs, but he also surrendered three home runs. A six-run explosion by Los Angeles in the fourth inning provided more than enough run support for Sasaki to pick up the win, but he managed to complete only five frames and was lifted after allowing the first two batters he faced in the sixth to reach base. The Dodgers have remained patient with the Japanese righty through some early-season struggles, and his 6.35 ERA is troubling. Still, Sasaki has shown small gains as the season has progressed -- of note, Saturday marked the first time this season that he's issued fewer than two walks in an outing -- and he seems to have a rotation spot locked down at least until Blake Snell (shoulder) return from the injured list.

Sasaki did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks over 4.2 innings against the Rockies. He struck out two. Sasaki avoided a disastrous outing at Coors Field but failed to complete five innings and struggled to generate whiffs. There was hope the young right-hander would take a step forward in 2026 after a disappointing rookie campaign, but that hasn't materialized early, as he owns a 6.11 ERA and 1.87 WHIP with a 17:12 K:BB across 17.2 innings (four starts). Sasaki is projected to make his next start Saturday against the Cubs, when he'll be looking for his first win of the season.

Sasaki (0-2) took the loss Sunday, allowing two runs on five hits and five walks over four innings against the Rangers. He struck out six. It was a mixed bag for Sasaki in Sunday's start, as he generated 15 whiffs but struggled mightily with control. After a disappointing first MLB campaign last season in which he posted a 4.46 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and a 28:22 K:BB across 36.1 regular-season innings, the right-hander is off to a slow start in 2026, owning a 6.23 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and a 15:10 K:BB through 13 innings. Sasaki is projected to make his next start on the road Sunday against the Rockies.