Dodgers' Roki Sasaki Struggles with Signature Pitch

The Japanese pitching prospect has lost his dominant forkball, raising questions about his identity and future in the Dodgers' rotation.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:07am

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Roki Sasaki, the highly touted Dodgers pitching prospect, has lost his signature forkball pitch, leading to a rough outing against the Washington Nationals. Sasaki's fastball velocity and command have also declined, transforming him into a diluted version of the dominant Japanese-league fireballer he was once considered. With his identity and place in the Dodgers' rotation now in question, Sasaki is facing a critical juncture in his young MLB career.

Why it matters

Sasaki was viewed as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, so his struggles with his signature pitch raise concerns about his long-term development and ability to succeed at the MLB level. The Dodgers are counting on Sasaki to be a key part of their rotation, so his identity crisis could have major implications for the team's pitching depth and playoff aspirations.

The details

In his latest start against the Nationals, Sasaki's forkball was erratic and ineffective, leading to a three-run homer by James Wood. Sasaki's fastball velocity also dropped, and he mixed in more sliders due to his inability to command the forkball. While Sasaki was able to get through five innings, he departed the game with a 6-1 deficit after giving up five hits, including two homers, and three walks.

  • Sasaki's forkball has been inconsistent in his last few starts, with him missing the pitch badly with greater frequency.
  • In his latest start against the Nationals on April 5, 2026, Sasaki's forkball issues were on full display.

The players

Roki Sasaki

A 24-year-old Japanese pitching prospect considered one of the top pitching talents in baseball, who is currently struggling with his signature forkball pitch and overall command in the Dodgers' rotation.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who is trying to present a positive outlook on Sasaki's recent struggles.

Dalton Rushing

The Dodgers' backup catcher, who has expressed some apprehension about Sasaki's inconsistent forkball and the need to potentially adjust his approach or mindset with the pitch.

James Wood

A Washington Nationals player who hit a three-run homer off of Sasaki's errant forkball in the fourth inning of their recent matchup.

Blake Snell

A Dodgers pitcher who is currently on the injured list and expected to return in late May, potentially creating an opportunity for Sasaki to remain in the rotation until then.

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What they’re saying

“It's just inconsistent. It's a pitch that if you can't strike it, it starts to give the opposing team the opportunity to just lay off of it every time you throw it. Maybe there's a couple technique things we can figure out in his delivery to strike it a little more, or maybe it's just a mindset (that) you don't have to throw your best splitter every pitch.”

— Dalton Rushing, Dodgers Backup Catcher

“I'm not the one deciding. I haven't lost confidence in the pitch and the reason that I didn't throw it as much was because I was following the lead of catcher Dalton Rushing.”

— Roki Sasaki

“Roki getting through the fifth inning was big. Some people are going to look at the line score, but if that ball doesn't hit the bag and the inning's over, it could have been a different outing for him.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

What’s next

The Dodgers will continue to monitor Sasaki's progress and work with him to try to regain the command and effectiveness of his signature forkball pitch. With Blake Snell expected to return from the injured list in late May, Sasaki's future in the rotation could depend on his ability to make the necessary adjustments and rediscover his dominant form.

The takeaway

Roki Sasaki's struggles with his forkball have raised serious questions about his identity as a pitcher and his long-term viability in the Dodgers' rotation. The team remains committed to helping him work through this challenge, but Sasaki's inability to consistently command his best pitch could have significant implications for the Dodgers' pitching depth and playoff aspirations this season.