Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki is struggling in the 2026 season, with a 6.11 ERA and a -0.2 fWAR. Despite some flashes of potential, he continues to lose command on the mound.
Key points
Roki Sasaki has a 6.11 ERA in 2026.
He has a -0.2 fWAR, indicating below replacement level performance.
Sasaki has recorded 17 strikeouts over 17.2 innings pitched.
He has struggled with command during the season.
Los Angeles DodgersRoki Sasaki
Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) attempts a pick off to first base in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) attempts a pick off to first base in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Sasaki has a 6.11 ERA through 17.2 innings pitched and four starts, with a 1.87 WHIP and 17 total strikeouts.
He has been below replacement level, according to FanGraphs, posting a -0.2 fWAR, and despite moments when everything is clicking, Sasaki is still losing his command at various points.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) attempts a pick off to first base in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Apr 19, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) attempts a pick off to first base in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
However, it is worth noting that Sasaki has looked better than he did in 2025, and while it is not a high bar to clear, he has a more confident demeanor.
In fact, according to FanGraphsâ Stuff+ metrics, which are based on a pitcherâs ability to generate weak contact and whiffs, along with a pitchâs spin, movement, and velocity, Roki Sasaki has been one of the biggest risers.
He has gone from a 91 Stuff+ in 2025 to a 98 Stuff+ in 2026. 100 is the league average, meaning he is still not at a solid threshold, but his improvement does symbolize a lot of improvement.
What has Roki Sasaki changed?
Sasaki is maintaining a healthy velocity much more often than he did in 2025, with a steady average of 97.4 mph.
He is still not topping out at the 100+ mph range that he did in Japan as a prospect, but his mechanics are more repeatable.
His strikeouts per nine innings are up, but so is his walk rate, and he has been prone to giving up a long ball as well.
Also, Sasaki has his slider-cutter hybrid producing solid swings and misses while he locates it well. He has truly developed his third pitch, but his fastball remains flat, even when he throws it hard.
He is not missing as many bats as he should with a heater that fast, and when Sasaki does allow contact, the ball tends to travel fast and far.
His location, which takes into account the command of his pitches, is down on the year, with an 88 location+ compared to 91 his previous year.
The command problems have led to constant walks, putting pressure on the bases regularly, while Sasaki is forced to battle and try to induce double-plays or get out of jams.
His pitch count ends up regularly inflated, leading to him not reaching the fifth inning, a clear target for Dave Roberts and the organization.
Sasaki appears to be making a genuine effort to implement changes, citing his constant adjustments.
âIâm trying to make adjustments all the time,â Sasaki said after his last start against the Rockies. âIn the long run, I have to do the things I need to work on.â
With Edwin Diaz out for months and a need for a righty reliever, Sasaki has to get his command under control in a hurry or risk the Dodgers making him move to the bullpen again.
His stuff is trending up, and if command starts doing so as well, he could show the Dodgers enough to keep him in the rotation through the season and give himself confidence that he can be a starter.
