When the Los Angeles Dodgers made the move to sign Japanese star pitcher Roki Saski, many felt that they were getting another superstar in the making.
Unfortunately, through his first season and change with the Dodgers, Sasaki has looked anything but like a superstar.
So far this season, Sasaki has made five starts. He has compiled a 1-2 record to go along with a 6.35 ERA, a 1.81 WHIP, a 1.7 K/BB ratio, and has completed 22.2 innings of work. Those numbers obviously aren’t getting the job done.
At just 24 years old, there is plenty of time for Sasaki to figure things out and turn them around. However, that has not stopped the concern and frustration from rising.
Keeping that in mind, Los Angeles has been slammed with a concerning warning about Sasaki.
ESPN Doesn’t Hold Back on Dodgers’ Roki Sasaki
David Schoenfield, an analyst for ESPN, did not hesitate to call Saski the most disappointing starting pitcher in baseball so far this season.
“Sasaki has been wild and hittable, leading to an unsightly 1.809 WHIP. He has allowed 13 walks, 28 hits and seven home runs in just 22⅔ innings,” Schoenfield wrote.
“The splitter can still be an effective wipeout pitch, but the problem is getting to it in a strikeout count: Though Sasaki throws plenty hard, averaging 97 mph on his fastball, it’s straight and doesn’t miss bats. Batters are 17-for-43 (.395) with five home runs against it. He’s in the rotation for now, and he needs the innings to work on his repertoire, but maybe those innings need to come in Triple-A.”
Being urged to send Sasaki to Triple-A is a clear sign of how bad things have been. The Dodgers will likely be as patient as possible, but a move could be needed sooner rather than later.
Last season in his rookie year, Sasaki made 10 appearances and eight starts. He went 1-1 with a 4.46 ERA, a 1.43 WHIP, a 1.3 K/BB ratio, and 36.1 innings pitched.
Los Angeles Has Continued Winning Despite Sasaki’s Struggles
While the ESPN take on Sasaki is certainly concerning and disappointing, he hasn’t impacted the Dodgers’ ability to win baseball games.
At this point early in the year, Los Angeles still holds a 20-9 record.
On Monday, the Dodgers were able to pull off a big comeback win over the Miami Marlins. They will play Game 2 of their three-game series on Tuesday night at 10:10 p.m. Et.
Sasaki is scheduled to make his next start on May 2 in a road matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals. Los Angeles will continue hoping that he can right the ship and get his career back on track. If he can’t, the Dodgers may be forced to send him to the minor leagues.
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