Los Angeles Dodgers’ Japanese star Roki Sasaki has been named the MLB’s most disappointing starting pitcher after 31 games of the season, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Sasaki’s record stands at 1-2 with a 6.35 ERA, 22 strikeouts, and a 1.81 WHIP over five starts. He has allowed 16 runs on 28 hits, including seven home runs, with 13 walks and 22 strikeouts in 22.1 innings this season.
Sasaki signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers before the 2025 season, with a $6.5 million signing bonus, and was considered the top prospect entering the year. However, injuries limited his playing time during the regular season. He made some relief appearances in the postseason, helping the Dodgers secure their second consecutive World Series title in 2025.
Expectations for the 2026 season were high, but Sasaki has so far underperformed, prompting speculation about whether the Dodgers should consider making roster adjustments. Fans also expressed anger over Sasaki being named the most disappointing pitcher through the first 31 games of this season.
“This is the dumbest f—— s— ever. I’m rofl at the fact that someone would waste their time writing such a brain-dead article,” one fan commented.
“The Dodgers have the best lineup in the MLB…on paper. This offense is built to score 5+ runs per game, but it constantly disappoints. Stop blaming the pitchers; we aren’t getting blown out. If our offense could put runs on the board, we’d be winning these games,” another fan commented.
“They’re 20-11. In 1st place. 2 time World champions. I’d say they’ve earned the right to give him time and work things out,” yet another fan commented.
Other fans continued to support Sasaki despite the ongoing struggles this season, many insisting he won’t be going anywhere even when Blake Snell is activated and rejoins the starting rotation. Some pointed out that other high-paid, older pitchers in the league are performing far worse than Sasaki.
“Sasaki is neither old nor highly paid. Sure, he has not been great, but there are far older and more highly paid disappointing pitchers than Sasaki,” one fan commented.
“Roki isn’t going anywhere, Dodger fam. Brandon already said he stays a starter. He’ll get a very, very long look before any decision is made. Like, probably, the whole season. That postseason relief job he did is quickly forgotten, I noticed,” another fan commented.
“ESPN’s Jeff Passan realizes Roki is paid $760,000 per year, right? Right? @JeffPassan? Show me the performance metrics for MLB Pitchers earning League Minimum. Most are injured… Orion Kerkering and Cade Smith are the only two healthy standouts,” yet another fan commented.
Roki Sasaki Set to Make His Next Start Against the Cardinals Tomorrow
Sasaki is scheduled to make his sixth start of the season in game 2 of the three-game series against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Saturday night. The Japanese ace aims to secure his second consecutive win, following his first victory in a 12-4 Dodgers win over the Cubs last Saturday.
Although the 24-year-old two-time NPB All-Star has faced some challenges on the mound this season, the Dodgers continue to show confidence in him. They may give him additional time to develop his rhythm and deliver consistent, impactful performances.
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