Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki improved in his latest outing, allowing two runs and striking out a career-high six batters, despite walking five. Manager Dave Roberts noted potential for Sasaki's development moving forward.
Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and backup catcher Dalton Rushing offered insight on starter Roki Sasakiâs outing Sunday.
Despite his mixed results, Roberts saw promise in the outing and offered a next step for Sasaki.
âThe thing that stands out is he limited damage,â Roberts said. âOnce he exited the game, we were still in a good position to win. That was important. He didnât let it spin out of control.
âLooking at the lack of efficiency, I think thatâs something thatâwith the stuff he had todayâthat sets up for going deeper in the game. âŠI think thatâs the next progression, for him to consistently be able to do that.â
Sasaki threw 94 pitchesâa season highâagainst the Rangers Sunday.
Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images
What Did Dalton Rushing Say About the Outing?
Rushing has caught all three of Sasakiâs outings this season, and also saw improvement from his previous outing against the Nationals despite his lack of efficiency.
âI thought he walked a couple guys he could have beat, personally,â Rushing said. âBut it was good to see him bounce back after walking a couple leadoff guys, getting some swing and miss. I donât think it was a bad outing, at all, itâs just kind of the same thing. We just have to lean on really attacking hitters a little more and getting ahead. I think that changes the counts for hitters facing him and getting a little more chase.â
ââŠI think we can get him to establish the strike zone a little sooner and if we do that from pitch one heâs going to be lights out.â
Rushing has only played in four games for the Dodgers this season, but has made the most of his opportunities. Heâs batting .538 and has a 1.879 OPS through 13 plate appearances.
When Is Roki Sasakiâs Next Outing?
Sasakiâs next outing isnât officially listed as of yet, but heâs most likely to appear against the Colorado Rockies on the road after the Dodgersâ next series.
Justin Wrobleski, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani will start against the New York Mets in the Dodgersâ upcoming series at Dodger Stadium, and Sasaki will likely follow towards the back end of their series at Coors Field.
The Dodgers wonât be worried about that series just yet, though, as they look to take all three wins from a slumping Mets team in front of the home fans. The first game of the series begins Monday at 7:10 p.m. PT.
How did you feel about Roki Sasakiâs performance on Sunday?
Q&A
What were Roki Sasaki's stats in his latest game against the Texas Rangers?
In his latest game, Roki Sasaki pitched four innings, allowed two runs, struck out six batters, and walked five.
How did Roki Sasaki perform compared to his previous game against the Washington Nationals?
Sasaki improved from his previous outing where he allowed six runs in five innings, showing better performance against the Rangers.
What did Dodgers manager Dave Roberts say about Roki Sasaki's performance?
Dave Roberts acknowledged Sasaki's mixed results but expressed optimism about his potential and suggested steps for improvement.
Who is Dalton Rushing and what role did he play in the game?
Dalton Rushing is the backup catcher for the Dodgers who provided insights on Roki Sasaki's performance during the game.
Related Articles
Sports
LIV Golf is still going, but its days seem numbered and probably always were
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Wings stifle Fudd-Bueckers relationship questions
Wings shut down questions about Fudd and Bueckers' relationship
ESPN News··1 min read
Sports
Terry Rozier Co-Conspirator Damon Jones To Change Plea To Guilty
Damon Jones, former NBA player, to change plea to guilty in conspiracy case involving Terry Rozier.