Roki Sasaki's Splitter Emerges as Key Weapon in Dodgers' Victory Over Cubs Roki Sasaki made a significant stride in his Major League Baseball (MLB) development during the Dodgers' 12-4 victory over the Cubs on Saturday, showcasing a revamped splitter that became his most frequently used pitch. The 23-year-old Japanese star, who has long been lauded for his potential, faced challenges in his rookie season due to inconsistencies with his fastball, which limited his ability to effectively complement his splitter. This year, however, Sasaki has embraced adjustments to his arsenal, with his splitter proving instrumental in the game. The splitter, a pitch Sasaki has called his "signature offering," was thrown 48 times during the start, the highest usage of any pitch in his MLB career this season. This marked a notable shift from his previous season, when the splitter accounted for only half of his pitches on May 9, 2023. The pitch’s effectiveness was underscored by its improved velocity and spin rate. Sasaki averaged 90.8 mph with the splitter, a 5.8 mph increase from his season average, and his spin rate reached 991 rpm, significantly higher than his typical 574 rpm. These metrics align with his performance during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where his splitter averaged 91 mph and around 1,100 rpm. Manager Dave Roberts highlighted the splitter’s evolution, noting that it now "tunnels more like the fastball," a characteristic that could lead to more swing-and-miss outcomes. Despite allowing four runs, including three solo home runs, Sasaki pitched into the sixth inning for the first time this season, demonstrating improved durability. His ability to command the splitter early in counts also stood out, as he secured a first-pitch strike in nine of 10 instances.#dave_roberts #dodgers #cubs #roki_sasaki #splitter
Dodgers' Roki Sasaki Halts Cubs' 10-Game Winning Streak with Sixth-Inning Performance LOS ANGELES – In a pivotal matchup at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a 12-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs, ending the Cubs’ 10-game winning streak. The game featured a standout performance from Japanese star Roki Sasaki, who pitched into the sixth inning for the first time this season. Despite allowing four runs—three of which came via home runs—Sasaki earned his first win of the year by limiting Chicago’s offensive output and slowing down the Cubs’ momentum. Sasaki, the Dodgers’ starting pitcher, faced seven hits and walked one batter while striking out five. His ability to navigate the sixth inning marked a significant step forward in his adaptation to Major League Baseball. The game’s outcome underscored his growing role in the rotation, as the Dodgers leaned on his versatility and command to disrupt the Cubs’ offensive rhythm. The pitcher’s performance was highlighted by his increased use of splitters, a pitch he had previously relied on less frequently. During the game, Sasaki emphasized the effectiveness of his splitter, noting that he had better control of the pitch and used it strategically to build counts. When asked about the adjustment in his splitter usage, he stated, “Today, I had good control of it, and it was a good pitch to use to build the counts, so I think it was an easy to pitch to call for.” Sasaki also mentioned that he made a slight adjustment between starts to throw his splitter harder, though he declined to specify the exact change. He confirmed that the adjustment was similar to techniques he had used in Japan, where he developed his repertoire. “That’s correct,” he said. “Yes.” Despite the win, Sasaki acknowledged challenges in his development.#chicago_cubs #los_angeles_dodgers #dodger_stadium #roki_sasaki #splitter_pitch
Dodgers End Cubs' 10-Game Winning Streak with 12-4 Victory The Los Angeles Dodgers ended the Chicago Cubs’ 10-game winning streak with a 12-4 victory on Saturday night, overcoming a sluggish start to dominate the game and shift momentum in the three-game series. The win, which came at Dodger Stadium under overcast skies and a brief rain shower, highlighted the Dodgers’ offensive resurgence and marked a turning point in their recent struggles. The Cubs had entered the game with an MLB-best 10-game winning streak, but the Dodgers’ explosive performance in the fourth inning sealed their fate. The Cubs took an early 2-0 lead in the top of the third inning against Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki. However, the Dodgers quickly responded in the bottom of the frame, with Shohei Ohtani leading off the inning with a walk. Two batters later, Max Muncy hit a game-tying home run, breaking a 0-for-12 slump for the Japanese star. The Dodgers continued to apply pressure, and by the end of the fourth inning, they had extended their lead to 8-3. The offensive explosion came in the bottom of the fourth, where the Dodgers unleashed a six-run inning that showcased their team-wide resurgence. Hyeseong Kim opened the rally with a one-out single, and the hits kept coming. Alex Freeland doubled to bring Kim home, while Ohtani walked and Freddie Freeman followed with an RBI single. Both Ohtani and Freeman scored on a base hit from Teoscar Hernández, who had been in a 0-for-13 slump. Dalton Rushing and Andy Pages added runs with doubles, capping the inning with 11 Dodgers hitters reaching base. Manager Dave Roberts praised the team’s ability to “stress” opposing pitchers, a hallmark of the Dodgers’ approach. “We all love home runs, but our club’s hallmark is stress and continuing to put pressure on the opposing pitchers,” Roberts said.#chicago_cubs #shohei_ohtani #los_angeles_dodgers #roki_sasaki #max_muncy
Texas Rangers Lineup for April 12, 2026 The Texas Rangers announced their starting lineup for their game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 12, 2026, which was scheduled for a Sunday afternoon. The matchup featured the Rangers’ ace pitcher, Jacob deGrom, facing off against the Dodgers’ highly anticipated rookie sensation, Roki Sasaki. The game was set to begin at 3:10 p.m. Central Time, with the Rangers listed as +105 underdogs in the betting odds. This game marked the final contest of a three-game series between the two teams, with the Rangers looking to secure a victory after a closely contested first two games. The series finale carried significant weight, as both teams were vying for momentum in the American League West standings. The Rangers’ lineup was expected to emphasize power and speed, leveraging their roster of star players to counter the Dodgers’ formidable pitching staff. The decision to have deGrom start for the Rangers was a strategic move, as the right-hander had been in stellar form earlier in the season, posting a 2.10 ERA over his last five starts. Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ choice of Sasaki, a 22-year-old phenom with a 95 mph fastball and a devastating slider, added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup. Sasaki’s presence in the starting rotation was a major storyline for the game, as he had already made a name for himself with his dominant performances in the minors. The game’s timing also played a role in the narrative, as it was one of the later games on the schedule for the weekend, drawing a mix of fans and analysts eager to see how the two teams would handle the pressure of a series-clinching contest.#los_angeles_dodgers #texas_rangers #roki_sasaki #jacob_deGrom #american_league_west
Texas Rangers Face Los Angeles Dodgers in High-Stakes Game on Sunday The Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers will square off in a pivotal matchup on Sunday, April 12, as part of a three-game series that has seen both teams split their previous contests. The game, scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET (1:10 p.m. PT), will take place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Rangers, with a record of 7-7, aim to extend their winning streak against the Dodgers, who currently sit at 11-3 and lead the NL West. This game marks the final contest of the tied series, adding extra significance to the outcome. For those unable to attend in person, the game will be broadcast on SportsNet LA and the Rangers Sports Network. Fans can also stream the action live via ESPN+ or MLB.TV, with real-time updates available on Yahoo Sports. The event will be televised in the United States, offering a wide audience the chance to witness the matchup. Weather conditions are expected to be mild, with a temperature of 65°F at the start of the game, and the stadium will remain open with a grass surface. The Dodgers hold a slight edge in the betting market, with a spread of -1.5 and a moneyline of -130, reflecting confidence in their starting pitcher, Roki Sasaki. Sasaki, making his MLB debut, has a 0-1 record with a 7.00 ERA, 9 strikeouts, and a 1.56 WHIP. His performance will be critical for the Dodgers, who are looking to solidify their position at the top of the NL West. In contrast, the Rangers will rely on Jacob deGrom, a former MLB All-Star, to anchor their rotation. DeGrom, with a 0-0 record and a 3.72 ERA, has posted 13 strikeouts and a 0.83 WHIP in his recent outings. His ability to control the game will be key for the Rangers, who are fighting to climb the AL West standings.#los_angeles_dodgers #texas_rangers #dodger_stadium #roki_sasaki #jacob_deGrom
Dodgers 2026 Bullpen Preview: Edwin Diaz Joins Elite Core The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to have a full-time closer for the first time since 2021 as they prepare for the 2026 season. The team’s acquisition of All-Star reliever Edwin Díaz during the offseason addresses a long-standing issue that hindered their bullpen in 2025. First-year closer Tanner Scott struggled after signing a multi-year deal, leading the Dodgers to shift Japanese rookie Roki Sasaki into the role in October. Díaz, a dominant closer with the New York Mets, returns to the majors after declining the final two years of his $102 million, five-year contract. Over seven seasons with the Mets, he posted a 2.36 ERA, 2.12 SIERA, and 2.15 FIP, along with a 40.8% strikeout rate and 8.9% walk rate. He recorded 144 saves in 332 appearances, establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier closers. Despite turning 32 this season, projections from FanGraphs anticipate a 2.92 ERA and 2.90 FIP across 66 innings for Díaz in Los Angeles. With the Dodgers’ star-studded roster, he is expected to surpass his 28 saves from 2025. Díaz missed most of the Cactus League action due to participation with Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic but has since returned to Camelback Ranch. His presence in the bullpen provides stability, as the Dodgers’ 2025 team ranked 10th in the league with 25 blown saves. Manager Dave Roberts expressed relief at having a reliable 9th-inning option, citing Díaz’s track record of success. Tanner Scott, the team’s previous closer, faced significant challenges in his first season with the Dodgers. After a stellar 2024 campaign with a 1.75 ERA and 28.6% strikeout rate, Scott struggled in 2025, posting a 4.74 ERA, 4.70 FIP, and 11 blown saves. His 25.#world_baseball_classic #los_angeles_dodgers #edwin_diaz #tanner_scott #roki_sasaki
