MLB: Sasaki Shows Marked Improvement, Dodgers Manager Praises 'Not Finished Product'

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts lauded Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki for his significant progress this season, despite the team's extra-inning loss to the Rockies. Sasaki, 24, pitched 5 innings, giving up 2 runs and striking out 6, but a late bullpen collapse prevented him from earning a win.

Sasaki's outing was marred by a defensive miscue in the fourth inning that led to two runs. He allowed baserunners in every inning, finishing with 7 hits and 1 walk. Despite the challenges, he threw 99 pitches, with his fastball reaching up to 100.3 mph (161.4 kph).

"He's not a finished product, but compared to last year, he has made very clear progress," Roberts said. "Looking at his numbers since the All-Star break, his performance has been outstanding."

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He's not a finished product, but compared to last year, he has made very clear progress. Looking at his numbers since the All-Star break, his performance has been outstanding.

Indeed, Sasaki's numbers since the All-Star break paint a picture of a pitcher hitting his stride. He has posted a 2.31 ERA in his last 6 starts, a stark improvement from his 5.33 ERA in the 16 starts before the break. Over this recent stretch, he has thrown 35 innings, with 34 strikeouts and 13 walks.

Roberts highlighted Sasaki's ability to perform even in hitter-friendly environments like Coors Field. "I think his fastball was good tonight, his splitter was good, and he didn't back down because of the high altitude," Roberts commented. "This game was a bit tough (throwing 99 pitches), but being able to get through the fifth inning put us in a better position for bullpen usage."

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I think his fastball was good tonight, his splitter was good, and he didn't back down because of the high altitude. This game was a bit tough (throwing 99 pitches), but being able to get through the fifth inning put us in a better position for bullpen usage.