Overview
- Sasaki, whose final tune-up Monday included six walks and boos after two bases-loaded passes, finished spring with a 15.58 ERA over 8 2/3 innings.
- Manager Dave Roberts said the club will give him a runway in the rotation and then judge on production once the real games start.
- Sasaki said a two-seam fastball changed his forearm action and dropped his arm slot, which he believes hurt his command, and he indicated he would accept a minors stint if the team deems it best.
- Team leadership urged patience and cited the transition from Japan, noting MLB’s ball and strike zone differ, as president Andrew Friedman framed Sasaki’s growth as a multi-year priority.
- Fans and some outlets pushed for a demotion or bullpen move, while analysts pointed to overthinking and focus issues rather than lost stuff, leaving a role change likely if early-season walks persist.