Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki rebounds after rough White Sox outing

Los Angeles Dodgers rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki, 24, showed a notable turnaround after a difficult start against the Chicago White Sox in which he surrendered seven runs in 4 ⅓ innings and his team fell 8‑2. Manager Dave Roberts said the game was a test of his ability to bounce back.

Since that setback, Sasaki has increased his fastball velocity to an average of 98.8 mph – about four miles per hour higher than a year earlier – and refined his split‑finger fastball and slider. Dodgers vice‑president of pitching Rob Hill highlighted Sasaki’s growing adaptability, noting that both mechanical tweaks and a mental shift have helped him post a 4.76 ERA over 12 starts this season.

During a four‑start stretch after May 16, he allowed only four earned runs on 13 hits and five walks in 24.1 innings, before the June 12 loss to Chicago. The improvements suggest he is moving past early‑season struggles and solidifying his role in the Dodgers’ rotation.