Roki Sasaki’s steady production stands out as Dodgers rotation nears full health

DENVER — Roki Sasaki does not command the same spotlight as his star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers rotation mates, but the Japanese right-hander continues to deliver consistent innings. Sasaki allowed two runs over five frames Wednesday night as the Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 6-4 victory in 10 innings at Coors Field.

Sasaki gave up two runs on seven hits, walked one and struck out six. He left with the Dodgers leading 4-2, but the Rockies tied the game in the seventh when reliever Alex Vesia issued a two-out walk to Jake McCarthy, who scored on Mickey Moniak’s two-run homer. The Dodgers regained control in the 10th when Freddie Freeman’s sacrifice fly scored Andy Pages and Mookie Betts added an RBI single to plate Teoscar Hernández. Lefty Tanner Scott, the Dodgers’ new closer, pitched a perfect 10th for his 18th save.

The outing continued a strong second half for Sasaki. Since the All-Star break, he has posted a 2.31 ERA over six starts with 34 strikeouts and 13 walks. His line Wednesday would have been cleaner had left fielder Teoscar Hernández not misplayed Adael Amador’s line drive into a two-run double in the fourth. Sasaki also showed improved command after walking a career-high-tying five batters against the Brewers last week.

Rotation depth nearing full strength

The Dodgers’ rotation already includes Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tarik Skubal, with Tyler Glasnow expected to return soon and Shohei Ohtani progressing toward a return to the mound. Sasaki, who signed with Los Angeles in January 2025, has carved out a role as a reliable innings-eater in a group full of aces.

Manager Dave Roberts praised Scott earlier in the day before the closer delivered a clean 10th. Betts and Kiké Hernández hit solo home runs in the fourth inning to give the Dodgers what appeared to be a comfortable lead before the Rockies rallied.

Key facts

What the result means

The Dodgers (73-50) extended their lead in the National League West with the sweep. Sasaki’s ability to produce quality starts in a crowded rotation gives Los Angeles flexibility as Glasnow and Ohtani work back. For a Dodgers team with World Series expectations, having six viable starters by October would be a significant advantage.

Sasaki’s role remains defined by the team’s depth, but his post-break numbers suggest he belongs in the conversation. The 24-year-old has shown improved command and the ability to navigate difficult environments like Coors Field, where run prevention is never easy.

Source: MLB Official News RSS – https://www.mlb.com/news/roki-sasaki-continues-2nd-half-dominance-in-dodgers-win-over-rockies