Dodgers’ Roberts, Rushing Open Up on Sasaki Performance

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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 Sasaki’s outing Sunday.

Sasaki improved upon his five-inning, six-run outing against the Washington Nationals on April 5, allowing just two rungs through four innings pitched. He struck out a career-high six batters, but struggled with command and walked five for the second time in a row.

Despite his mixed results, Roberts saw promise in the outing and offered a next step for Sasaki.

“The thing that stands out is he limited damage,” Roberts said. “Once he exited the game, we were still in a good position to win. That was important. He didn’t let it spin out of control.

“Looking at the lack of efficiency, I think that’s something that—with the stuff he had today—that sets up for going deeper in the game. …I think that’s the next progression, for him to consistently be able to do that.”

Sasaki threw 94 pitches—a season high—against the Rangers Sunday.

What Did Dalton Rushing Say About the Outing?

Rushing has caught all three of Sasaki’s outings this season, and also saw improvement from his previous outing against the Nationals despite his lack of efficiency.

“I thought he walked a couple guys he could have beat, personally,” Rushing said. “But it was good to see him bounce back after walking a couple leadoff guys, getting some swing and miss. I don’t think it was a bad outing, at all, it’s 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.”

“…I think we can get him to establish the strike zone a little sooner and if we do that from pitch one he’s going to be lights out.”

Rushing has only played in four games for the Dodgers this season, but has made the most of his opportunities. He’s batting .538 and has a 1.879 OPS through 13 plate appearances.

When Is Roki Sasaki’s Next Outing?

Sasaki’s next outing isn’t officially listed as of yet, but he’s most likely to appear against the Colorado Rockies on the road after the Dodgers’ next series.

Justin Wrobleski, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani will start against the New York Mets in the Dodgers’ upcoming series at Dodger Stadium, and Sasaki will likely follow towards the back end of their series at Coors Field.

The Dodgers won’t 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 Sasaki’s performance on Sunday?