The Los Angeles Dodgers are trying to figure out why rookie reliever Roki Sasaki’s fastball velocity dropped 1.5 mph in his relief outing in NLCS Game 1.
Monday night was rough for Sasaki as he endured his worst outing out of the bullpen in his brief career as a reliever. With a two-run lead going into the bottom of the ninth inning, Sasaki looked to continue his clutch pitching. But after allowing a double, two walks and a sacrifice fly, the ball was given to Blake Treinen to close things out.
More news: Dodgers Reveal Lineup for NLCS Game 2 vs Brewers
Manager Dave Roberts spoke on the shift in velocity he saw from his rookie ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday.
“We’ve identified that. I don’t know the answer,” Roberts said. “We’ll see how today goes. But it’s one of those things that we’re still in sort of unchartered territory with him. We’re still gathering information. And he’s doing everything he can to stay ready and be ready and be productive.”
When asked if Sasaki would be available for Tuesday, Roberts didn’t rule anything out, but didn’t seem to believe that Sasaki would be used.
“I wouldn’t say unavailable,” Roberts said, “but it is unlikely that we’ll use him.”
Leading up to Monday’s forgettable outing, Sasaki had been lights out for the Dodgers.
The young right-hander had yet to allow an earned run in his brief relief career, and his last outing included three perfect innings during NLDS Game 4.
The drop in velocity isn’t something that seems to concern Roberts, but for now, the team doesn’t exactly have an answer yet.
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Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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3 Responses
Yes, Sasaki FB velocity was down slightly, but he lack control of his splitter. Nerves?
Hi people, so no sure what to make of Sasaki’s outing the other day but maybe nerves an not being prepared for the moment. I’d like to say I care, but I don’t!
The kind of generational money these guy make put it lightly is out of this “F’ing world.
No excuses Sasaki or any of those guys.
“NONE”!
Sasaki is actually on a minor league contract since he was signed as an international amateur free agent, so he did not ink a big money deal. He was dubbed as the best bargain in baseball. However, the Dodgers need him out of the bullpen so his performance is crucial for LA’s postseason run.