Dodgers' Sasaki struggles in spring training debut

Right-hander gives up 3 runs in 1 1/3 innings against Diamondbacks

Feb. 26, 2026 at 3:34am

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Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki had a tough outing in his first spring training appearance, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks over 1 1/3 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sasaki, who is trying to earn a spot in the Dodgers' rotation after a strong postseason run in 2025, was erratic and struggled to find the strike zone, throwing just 17 of his 36 pitches for strikes.

Why it matters

Sasaki is an important part of the Dodgers' pitching staff, and his performance in spring training will be closely watched as he looks to secure a spot in the starting rotation. A strong spring could solidify his role, while struggles like this outing raise questions about his readiness for the regular season.

The details

Sasaki gave up a hard-hit single to leadoff hitter Geraldo Perdomo, then walked Tim Tawa. With one out, Nolan Arenado hit a line-drive double to left that scored Perdomo, and Ildemaro Vargas followed with another double, scoring Tawa and Arenado for a 3-0 lead. After a mound visit from pitching coach Mark Prior, Sasaki struck out Jordan Lawlar and Ryan Waldschmidt to end the inning. In the second inning, Sasaki struck out Druw Jones but then walked Aramis Garcia and was removed from the game.

  • Sasaki's outing took place on Wednesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Roki Sasaki

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who is trying to earn a spot in the team's starting rotation after a strong postseason performance in 2025.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mark Prior

The pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Geraldo Perdomo

A leadoff hitter for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Nolan Arenado

A player for the Arizona Diamondbacks who hit a line-drive double that scored a run.

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What they’re saying

“I thought he was overthrowing. I haven't seen that all spring. It's probably just getting into live competition. I thought he was a little too bullish on the fastball, but he was getting behind in the first inning.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

Sasaki will look to bounce back in his next spring training outing as he continues to compete for a spot in the Dodgers' starting rotation.

The takeaway

Sasaki's struggles in his spring training debut raise questions about his readiness for the regular season, but the Dodgers remain confident he can build on his strong postseason performance and earn a spot in the starting rotation.