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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki has been promising enough as a starter to keep his job despite lackluster results, and the improvements could be traced back to one change.
Sasaki failed to throw strikes throughout Spring Training, with every start looking like an implosion waiting to happen, as he lacked all kinds of confidence on the mound.
By the end of the preseason, Sasaki was in a rocky spot, and while the team kept their belief behind the Japanese arm, it looked like it would only be a matter of time before a demotion.
However, Sasaki pitched four innings and allowed just a run. It was not good enough for a starting pitcher in a great rotation, but given his form entering the start, Sasaki quelled some worries about his ability to handle it.
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May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) delivers to the plate in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Since then, the Roki-coaster has been in full effect, with some positive stretches followed by a run of hits, walks, or home runs that lead to a blown-up inning.
As a result, Sasaki has a 5.88 ERA with a 6.52 FIP, indicating his ERA should be higher than it is. During his last four starts, he has kept his command in check, allowing two walks or fewer, and has started going deeper into games.
What has Sasaki changed?
During his last start against the San Francisco Giants, the Pitching Ninja and Dodgers commentator Orel Hershiser both noted that he has simplified his pitching mechanics.
Sasaki is shortening his wind-up a bit by using fewer moving parts, allowing him to control his fastball with tighter throws.
As pointed out in the video from the Pitching Ninja, it allows Sasaki to control where his foot is landing and get to command the fastball better as a result.
If Sasaki has found an ability to throw his fastball for strikes with consistency, he can stop falling behind in counts, even if he allows some hits.
The next step for Sasaki is improving the shape of the pitch. He has figured out how to throw with consistent velocity this season, and his command seems to be coming along slowly, leaving the movement of the pitch as the only thing left to improve.
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