Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed high expectations for pitcher Roki Sasaki, 24, as he prepares to make his seventh start of the season with eight days of rest.
Sasaki suffered his third loss in his last outing on the 2nd against the Cardinals, but he threw a season-high 104 pitches over six innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs with two walks and four strikeouts, achieving his first quality start of the year. Through six starts, he holds a 1-3 record with a 5.97 ERA. His seventh start was pushed back from its original schedule following the return of veteran left-hander Blake Snell, resulting in the extended rest.
“Roki is in a good place. He feels good physically and mentally, and his delivery has improved. He’s gotten a feel for his splitter over these last few games. He looked really sharp in the bullpen the other day. I’m expecting good things from him,” Roberts said.
