The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing a challenging start to their spring training as Roki Sasaki struggled significantly during a recent exhibition game against the Los Angeles Angels on March 24, 2026. In this outing, Sasaki issued six walks and gave up five runs in just two-plus innings, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming season.
Sasaki’s performance has been under scrutiny, as he currently holds a troubling 15.58 ERA over four exhibition starts for the Dodgers. This follows his signing with the team in January 2025, where he received a $6.5 million signing bonus due to international signing bonus pool rules. Last season, he managed a record of 1-1 with a 4.46 ERA across eight starts and two relief appearances.
In contrast, fellow pitcher Shohei Ohtani showcased a strong performance in his spring training start, pitching 4.1 innings, allowing only one hit, and striking out four batters. This has provided a glimmer of hope for the Dodgers as they prepare for their season opener.
The Dodgers scored a remarkable 20 runs in the Freeway series leading up to the 2026 season, demonstrating their offensive capabilities. They are set to begin their season against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday at 5:30 p.m., with Yoshinobu Yamamoto slated to start.
As the defending World Series champions, the Dodgers are aiming for a three-peat after winning back-to-back championships. The team has also announced their walk-up songs for the 2026 season, including ‘Put It On Da Floor Again’ by Latto and Cardi B for star player Mookie Betts.
With the season approaching, the Dodgers are looking to address Sasaki’s struggles and ensure their pitching lineup is ready for the challenges ahead. The team’s management has yet to release an official statement regarding Sasaki’s performance, and details remain unconfirmed.
