The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t break the bank for Roki Sasaki just to see him struggle, but here we are. The Japanese phenom arrived with sky-high expectations, yet his early outings have been anything but dominant. Now, whispers of a potential minor league stint are growing louder—because nothing says “ace potential” like a ticket to Triple-A.

After a poor outing against the Tigers, the rumors of Sasaki being demoted to the minor leagues got stronger. The topic was also discussed between Buster Olney and Karl Ravech on the Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney podcast. During the discussion, Olney said, “It would not surprise to see Roki Sasaki in the minor leagues soon.”

To this, Karl Ravech remarked, “It’s the best team I have seen put together. And because of that, in the second part of your question, Sasaki has pitched himself into this position and the Dodgers have so many options to make this decision very simply. It’s not like they are taking away their 3rd best starter, and he may end up being their 1st best starter.”

Sasaki’s first two MLB starts have shown both promise and struggle, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to the major leagues. Ravech and Olney believe it would benefit Sasaki and the Dodgers if he were sent to the minor leagues and then promoted once he is better equipped to handle the pressure. Even if Sasaki is demoted, the Dodgers won’t lose anything due to their strong squad depth. With pitchers like Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and possibly Shohei Ohtani, they have plenty of firepower on the mound.

Across 4 2/3 innings pitched, Sasaki has posted an ERA of 5.79, striking out only 4 batters while issuing 9 walks. This lack of control has resulted in a concerning WHIP of 2.79. However, if Sasaki goes to the minors, he could return and eventually claim the number one pitcher position in the rotation. Ultimately, this will depend on what the Dodgers’ management decides.

For all the hype, Sasaki’s first taste of MLB has been more of a “work in progress” than an “instant ace.” The Dodgers didn’t sign him to throw batting practice, but with a WHIP approaching rush-hour traffic levels, that’s what he’s delivering. If he doesn’t find the strike zone soon, his next pitch might be from a minor-league mound. Stay tuned to find more.

Dave Roberts backs Roki Sasaki as he goes through growing pains

The Dodgers didn’t bring Roki Sasaki across the Pacific for a smooth ride—a good thing, because his MLB start has been anything but smooth. Command issues, early exits, and rising concerns would sink most rookies, but Sasaki has something many don’t: unwavering support. Manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers are standing by him—for now.

Before signing with the Dodgers, Sasaki was an absolute monster in Japan, but his time in LA has been a roller coaster. After his debut didn’t go well, he was visibly emotional, almost on the verge of crying. The pressure of the moment was clearly weighing down on him. But Roberts stood by him. When asked about Sasaki’s struggles, he gave an answer that resonates with all rookies: “He wants to perform. All he’s known is success. And so I think that he’s certainly upset, disappointed.” 

It’s never easy to adapt to a new environment and perform right away, and Sasaki is no exception. Roberts emphasized that this is part of the learning curve for pitchers and expressed confidence in Sasaki’s growth. Both the management and coaching staff see Sasaki as a long-term investment. They are willing to be patient with him for as long as it takes.  They don’t need him to be an instant star. Instead, they need him to be a reliable pitcher who can anchor their rotation.

Patience is a luxury in MLB, but for Sasaki, the Dodgers are willing to wait. Struggles are temporary, and talent is permanent—but at some point, the promise has to turn into production. For now, Sasaki has the full backing of Roberts and the front office. If that faith doesn’t translate to strikes soon, though, even patience has its limits.