Sasaki set for 2026 debut tonight after shaky Spring Training

Despite an excellent showing in high-leverage situations out of the bullpen as the Dodgers won their second consecutive World Series, Roki Sasaki was always part of the club’s plans in the starting rotation to begin 2026. An uneven spring didn't change their plans, and he’s set to make his season debut Monday against the Guardians.

It’s time to find out if “The Monster of the Reiwa Era” can return to the form that strikes fear into everyone who steps into the batter’s box.

The Dodgers take on Cleveland at 10:10 p.m. ET/7:10 PT at home, looking to start 4-0 for the second straight season. The Guardians, with some heroics from rookie Chase DeLuater, split a four-game set with the Mariners to begin the year. They’ll have 25-year-old lefty Parker Messick starting against Sasaki.

Sasaki’s velocity was never in doubt at camp, with 37 pitches this Spring Training clocking at 98 mph or higher, but his results were worrisome. The 24-year-old righty had a 15.58 ERA and 15 walks in 8 2/3 innings over four starts.

In his final start of camp on March 23, an exhibition against the Angels at Dodger Stadium, Sasaki threw 21 pitches without recording an out in the first inning -- including three walks and a hit batter. He re-entered the game later but still finished with six total walks, two hit batsmen and four earned runs in just two innings.

The putaway stuff is still there. Sasaki struck out 12 in his 8 2/3 innings. But he has continually pointed to issues with his mechanics when discussing his inconsistency. He worked on adding a sinker during the spring but could not locate consistently.

Sasaki’s recruitment to the Dodgers two offseasons ago was about as high-profile as they come, considering the way he set Nippon Professional Baseball on fire during his time with the Chiba Lotte Marines. He had a career 2.10 ERA and a 5.74 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He tossed a perfect game at just 20 years old and boasted a splitter that was regarded as one of the best in the world.

After signing as an international Minor League free agent with a $6.5 million signing bonus, Sasaki had a respectable start to the season, allowing two or fewer runs in his first five outings of 2025. A right shoulder impingement then landed him on the injured list in mid-April, later leading to a stint on the 60-day IL through late September.

Shaky results -- a 6.10 ERA in seven appearances -- during a rehab assignment in Triple-A gave way to his time in the bullpen. He turned into the star many expected in the postseason, allowing just one run in 10 2/3 innings with three saves.

The Dodgers need more consistency not only from Sasaki but from the back end of their rotation in general. Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski and River Ryan were also in competition for the fifth spot this spring.