Overview
- Roki Sasaki, who took the ball Monday in Los Angeles, gave up one run over four innings in the Dodgers’ 4-2 loss to the Guardians.
- His fastball averaged about 97.6 mph and touched 99.5 mph, an uptick from last season that added needed life to his arsenal.
- He unveiled a new cutter that drew multiple whiffs, though his trademark splitter and overall strike throwing were inconsistent.
- The start followed a spring with 15 walks and a shaky final tune-up, and manager Dave Roberts called this a boost to his confidence.
- Sasaki said he began the night without confidence but left feeling better, and he now must build longer, efficient starts to hold his rotation role.