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Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts noted Roki Sasaki showed improvement despite not completing five innings in a loss to the Rockies. He described Sasaki as more 'efficient' during the game.
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Dodgers' manager felt Roki Sasaki was more 'efficient' against Rockies originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki has struggled with his command this season, resulting in poor starts. Sasakiās struggles continued in the Dodgers' second straight loss to the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.
Even though Sasaki didn't get through five innings, manager Dave Roberts did see some improvement from his young right-hander, which Sasaki can build off of.
āI thought he [Sasaki] was more efficient. I thought he got ground balls when he needed to, got some quick fly balls,ā Roberts said postgame toĀ SportsNet LA. āAnd I really wanted him to get through that fifth inning. But with [TJ] Rumfield up, I felt, you know, Alex was going to give us a better chance to kind of keep the game there, but overall, better, better outing.ā
Despite his āefficientā outing, Sasaki didnāt get through five innings, as he allowed seven hits, two walks, and three earned runs on 78 pitches (43 strikes). The 24-year-oldās previous two starts were much of the same, totaling eight earned runs, eight walks, and 11 strikeouts in nine innings.
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The problem with Sasaki this season has been his walks (12 walks in 17.2 innings), but his four-seam fastball has not been effective. In 21 at-bats (109 pitches) against his fastball, opposing hitters are hitting .381 with aĀ Ā slugging percentage and have hit two home runs off the pitch.
Dave Roberts stated that Roki Sasaki was more 'efficient' in his outing against the Rockies, noting he got ground balls and quick fly balls.
Roki Sasaki struggled with his command and did not get through five innings in the game against the Rockies.
Despite not completing five innings, Sasaki showed improvement by being more efficient and generating ground balls when needed.

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A reason for the change in the effectiveness of his fastball could be the fact that Sasaki has changed his arm angle. In 2025, Sasakiās arm angle was 45 degrees; this season, itās increased to 50 degrees.
Changing this up and being more on top of the baseball should be a focus in Sasakiās bullpens to get him back on track.
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