Roki Sasaki Shows Promise Despite Constant Traffic vs. Rangers

Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) reacts after his last pitch thrown during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki showed some improvement in LA’s series finale against the Texas Rangers.

He finished the game with a final line of four innings pitched, five hits, two earned runs, five walks and six strikeouts—setting a career high.

Sasaki allowed two runners before recording an out, but shut the Rangers down afterwards. He struck out three consecutive batters in the top of the first after allowing two baserunners, marking the first time he has recorded three strikeouts in an inning this season.

The right-hander also worked out of trouble in the second inning after a leadoff walk and a double, but managed to work his way out of trouble with two pop outs into foul ground as well as his fourth strikeout of the game.

Rangers outfielder Evan Carter got the Rangers on the board with a solo homer in the top of the third, and Sasaki allowed another run later in the inning after allowing a Josh Smith single with two runners aboard. He loaded the bases with a walk afterwards, but navigated himself out of the jam.

Sasaki’s fourth inning went the smoothest of the bunch, as he allowed just one baserunner with a leadoff walk. He set a career high in strikeouts with his sixth in the fourth.

Apr 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) reacts after his last pitch thrown during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

How Has Roki Sasaki Pitched in 2026?

Sasaki has had an odd 2026 season, with the results in his first two starts sitting on opposite ends of the spectrum.

His first start of the season went well, with the right-hander allowing just one run through four innings of play against the Cleveland Guardians, though he received a loss on the outing.

Sasaki’s second outing this year went much worse, seeing him allow six runs through five innings on five hits and three walks.

On the season, Sasaki has a 6.23 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 13 innings pitched.

When Will Sasaki Start Next?

After their series against the Rangers, the Dodgers have a three game series against the New York Mets at home followed by a four-game road series against the Colorado Rockies. Sasaki will likely start in the latter of the two in one of the final games.

Before that, though, the Dodgers have business to take care of against the Mets, who they’ve had a number of significant clashes with over the last couple of seasons. This Mets team doesn’t quite look the same, though, as they’ve lost five straight and just suffered a sweep at home against the Athletics.

The first game of that series comes Monday at 7:10 p.m. PT.

What did you think of Roki Sasaki’s outing?