Overview
- In Friday’s 7-1 loss at Petco Park, Sasaki issued five walks, hit a batter and surrendered a three-run homer to Ty France before being pulled with runners on in the fifth inning.
- Box scores show Sasaki took the loss, his record falling to 3-5 with an ERA inflated by the outing, despite allowing only three hits and recording two strikeouts.
- Sasaki said through an interpreter that he “really struggled to throw strikes” and that he needs to work on his mechanics and game plan.
- Data and reports noted a measurable velocity drop, with far fewer 99+ mph pitches than in recent strong starts and an average fastball below his prior recent range.
- Manager Dave Roberts described the problem as mechanical and fixable, and the club’s large division lead means the outing carries little immediate standing-room pressure while the team watches for correction.