Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki revives fastball, hits 100‑mph pitches in loss to Phillies

In his tenth major‑league start, Los Angeles Dodgers right‑hander Roki Sasaki threw 5 ⅓ innings against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium, posting a 4‑3 defeat. He reached 100 mph twice, with a 100.4 mph fastball to J.T. Realmuto, and averaged 98.5 mph—about 1.5 mph above his season norm. Of the 38 fastballs he delivered, 14 clocked at 99 mph or higher. Sasaki allowed a single run, a second‑inning home run by Alec Bohm, struck out seven batters and gave up only two additional hits.

Sasaki said the outing felt like “pitching most like myself,” noting improved body movement and confidence in his primary weapon. Manager Dave Roberts attributed the velocity boost to Sasaki’s recent work in the weight room with strength coach Travis Smith. Roberts suggested that if Sasaki maintains this form, the Dodgers could contend for the National League West sooner than expected.