Dodgers News: Roki Sasaki Admits ‘Long, Difficult Stretch’ After Latest Start

Dodgers rookie Roki Sasaki reflected on his difficult adjustment period, improved mechanics, and growing confidence after his latest outing.

Originally published at Dodgersbeat.com

LOS ANGELES — Roki Sasaki Dodgers struggles have become one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team’s rotation early this season, but the young right-hander believes he is finally beginning to make gradual progress on the mound.

Sasaki said he feels he is building more consistency mechanically, even as he admitted the process has been slower and more difficult than he hoped.

After his start was pushed back from Saturday, Sasaki said he intentionally kept his preparation unchanged.

Roki Sasaki Sees Mechanical Progress

“I don’t specifically change my routine even with the added days,” Sasaki said. “I carried out my usual routine and approached the game the same as always.”

The right-hander showed improved velocity early in the outing and said his mechanics allowed him to throw with more conviction. He also felt his experimentation with two different splitters showed progress compared to his previous appearance.

“This time I had better control and was able to differentiate between the pitches better,” he said.

Sasaki added that the repeatability in his delivery was one of the biggest positives from the outing.

“Today the repeatability was good and mechanically I was able to insert strength but maintain control in my form,” Sasaki said.

Sasaki Details Improved Splitter Feel

Despite being satisfied overall, Sasaki acknowledged mistakes during the sixth inning, particularly the quality and location of his pitches the third time through the order.

Still, he felt attacking the zone instead of losing command with walks represented growth.

Reflecting on his larger development process, Sasaki admitted the road toward becoming the pitcher he wants to be has been mentally challenging.

Roki Sasaki Opens Up About Difficult Stretch

“I don’t know if it will come suddenly or gradually,” Sasaki said. “I just need to understand my goal and calculate backwards from there and continue my growth.”

He also spoke candidly about the frustration of how long the process has taken.

“It’s been a long, difficult stretch,” Sasaki said. “But even within that, there have been a lot of realizations and things I’ve learned. As long as I still have a chance, I just want to keep giving it everything I’ve got.”