1 hr. ago
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki left the game against the Atlanta Braves due to an apparent finger injury.
Sasaki had been struggling without his best stuff before being pulled. He was in the fourth inning, where he had already allowed a run and had two runners on base, one at second and another at third, with one out.
Pitching coach Mark Prior, translator Will Ireton, and the Dodgers trainer examined his hand and called for Sasaki to be pulled.
The Dodgers announced that it was a blister on the middle finger of his right hand.
Aug 26, 2026; ******* berland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Colin Hubbard-Imagn Images
#Dodgers #sasaki #starting
Sasaki had been struggling without his best stuff before being pulled. He was in the fourth inning, where he had already allowed a run and had two runners on base, one at second and another at third, with one out.
Pitching coach Mark Prior, translator Will Ireton, and the Dodgers trainer examined his hand and called for Sasaki to be pulled.
The Dodgers announced that it was a blister on the middle finger of his right hand.
Aug 26, 2026; ******* berland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Colin Hubbard-Imagn Images
#Dodgers #sasaki #starting
1 hr. ago
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki entered Wednesday's start against the star-studded Atlanta Braves offense in the midst of a heater. Since the All-Star break, the 24-year-old ******* anese phenom had posted a 2.31 ERA along with 34 strikeouts across 35 innings of work.
His start against Atlanta began strong, with the only blemish through the first three innings being a solo home run to first baseman Matt Olson. Unfortunately, in the fourth inning things began to unravel as he allowed three of the first four hitters to reach base.
MORE: Dave Roberts reveals when Shohei Ohtani can return to Dodgers as starting pitcher
Then, as he was set to face the top of the order, he received a visit from the training staff alongside manager Dave Roberts. After a brief discussion, Sasaki was removed from the game with Edgardo Henriquez taking over in relief. Shortly after, the Dodgers revealed an update during the game.
"Roki Sasaki left tonight's game with a blister on his middle finger," the team wrote on X.
#sasaki #first #dave
His start against Atlanta began strong, with the only blemish through the first three innings being a solo home run to first baseman Matt Olson. Unfortunately, in the fourth inning things began to unravel as he allowed three of the first four hitters to reach base.
MORE: Dave Roberts reveals when Shohei Ohtani can return to Dodgers as starting pitcher
Then, as he was set to face the top of the order, he received a visit from the training staff alongside manager Dave Roberts. After a brief discussion, Sasaki was removed from the game with Edgardo Henriquez taking over in relief. Shortly after, the Dodgers revealed an update during the game.
"Roki Sasaki left tonight's game with a blister on his middle finger," the team wrote on X.
#sasaki #first #dave
11 days ago
Justin Wrobleski was an All-Star this year, but there is about to be no room for him in the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation, despite their implementation of a six-man rotation.
Most teams struggle with using a six-man rotation because it cuts an arm out of the bullpen. That has not been the case for the Dodgers for most of the year because, for one, their starters are elite, and one of them does not count as a pitcher on the roster.
Wrobleski, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki and Eric Lauer are the Dodgers' current rotation, but Tyler Glasnow is close to returning. Shohei Ohtani is taking steps toward a return as well. Snell, Skubal and Yamamoto are not going anywhere, and Sasaki has been phenomenal after the Dodgers got him a bigger glove and did a deep dive into some of his issues.
When Glasnow and Ohtani are back, Wrobleski and Lauer are the strongest candidates to be ***** ped. Lauer is a no-brainer, as he has experience as a reliever and, despite his success with the Dodgers, is the weakest of the six arms. Wrobleski, however, would be a frontline starter on most teams. Roberts confirmed that he would go to the bullpen "at some point in time," according to Dodger Blue.
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#Dodgers #skubal #snell
Most teams struggle with using a six-man rotation because it cuts an arm out of the bullpen. That has not been the case for the Dodgers for most of the year because, for one, their starters are elite, and one of them does not count as a pitcher on the roster.
Wrobleski, Tarik Skubal, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki and Eric Lauer are the Dodgers' current rotation, but Tyler Glasnow is close to returning. Shohei Ohtani is taking steps toward a return as well. Snell, Skubal and Yamamoto are not going anywhere, and Sasaki has been phenomenal after the Dodgers got him a bigger glove and did a deep dive into some of his issues.
When Glasnow and Ohtani are back, Wrobleski and Lauer are the strongest candidates to be ***** ped. Lauer is a no-brainer, as he has experience as a reliever and, despite his success with the Dodgers, is the weakest of the six arms. Wrobleski, however, would be a frontline starter on most teams. Roberts confirmed that he would go to the bullpen "at some point in time," according to Dodger Blue.
Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand new baseball lifestyle brand!
#Dodgers #skubal #snell
18 days ago
The Dodgers will turn to Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Saturday in hopes to end their seven-game losing streak, a stretch in which nothing really seems to match up properly.
Yamamoto pitched quite well last Saturday at home, allowing three runs in eight innings to the Boston Red Sox, but that was a game in which the Dodgers offense could only score twice. Much like Friday night in Arizona, Roki Sasaki allowed only two run in six innings and the Dodgers took a lead in the eighth inning, but a bad Edwin Díaz slider turned that into a loss, too.
The loss on Tuesday at Wrigley Field turned lopsided later, but that was another strong start wasted, with Tarik Skubal allowing only two runs in six frames in his Dodgers debut.
Major league teams are 803-358 (.692) when their pitcher provides a quality start this season. The Dodgers lead the majors with 61 quality start this season, 11 more than any other team, and that's not even including the six hitless, scoreless innings Eric Lauer provided in bulk relief following an opener on June 22.
The Dodgers are 44-17 (.721) when receiving a quality start, but have lost three such games in the last week on this losing streak.
#Dodgers #quality
Yamamoto pitched quite well last Saturday at home, allowing three runs in eight innings to the Boston Red Sox, but that was a game in which the Dodgers offense could only score twice. Much like Friday night in Arizona, Roki Sasaki allowed only two run in six innings and the Dodgers took a lead in the eighth inning, but a bad Edwin Díaz slider turned that into a loss, too.
The loss on Tuesday at Wrigley Field turned lopsided later, but that was another strong start wasted, with Tarik Skubal allowing only two runs in six frames in his Dodgers debut.
Major league teams are 803-358 (.692) when their pitcher provides a quality start this season. The Dodgers lead the majors with 61 quality start this season, 11 more than any other team, and that's not even including the six hitless, scoreless innings Eric Lauer provided in bulk relief following an opener on June 22.
The Dodgers are 44-17 (.721) when receiving a quality start, but have lost three such games in the last week on this losing streak.
#Dodgers #quality
20 days ago
Eric Lauer surprisingly established himself as a valuable member of the Los Angeles Dodgers rotation after he was designated for ******* ignment by the Toronto Blue Jays.
Amid some pitching injuries, Lauer got a chance to prove his worth to the organization, making eight starts prior to the trade deadline and pitching behind an opener once. In those nine games, the team went 9-0, and Lauer had a 2.96 ERA.
However, trade rumors grew as Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow took steps toward returning to the big leagues. With Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki and Justin Wrobleski also in the rotation, Lauer's spot was in danger, making him a trade candidate. Lauer spoke about trade possibilities with Andrew Friedman before the deadline.
"They had been pretty open with me communication-wise about what they were thinking, what I was thinking," Lauer said. "I expressed to them that I wanted to be a Dodger. So, I think they took that to heart."
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#rotation #deadline #took #thinking
Amid some pitching injuries, Lauer got a chance to prove his worth to the organization, making eight starts prior to the trade deadline and pitching behind an opener once. In those nine games, the team went 9-0, and Lauer had a 2.96 ERA.
However, trade rumors grew as Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow took steps toward returning to the big leagues. With Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki and Justin Wrobleski also in the rotation, Lauer's spot was in danger, making him a trade candidate. Lauer spoke about trade possibilities with Andrew Friedman before the deadline.
"They had been pretty open with me communication-wise about what they were thinking, what I was thinking," Lauer said. "I expressed to them that I wanted to be a Dodger. So, I think they took that to heart."
Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand new baseball lifestyle brand!
#rotation #deadline #took #thinking
21 days ago
"Straight Talk" is a regular feature in which The Sporting Tribune's John E. Gibson offers a full translation of media availability with Dodgers ****** anese stars Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki. He will also help translate when Clippers star Rui Hachimura and L.A. Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida are asked questions in ****** anese.
The job of interpreters in the heat of the moment is difficult without the ability to write down questions and answers and re-hear responses for proper context. That's where John comes in to help. John currently works as a ****** anese-English interpreter and covered pro baseball in ****** an for about 20 years. His experience as a sports reporter includes stints at The Orange County Register, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Redlands Daily Facts, The Yomiuri Shimbun's English newspaper in Tokyo and The Epoch Times.
CHICAGO – Shohei Ohtani cracks a pair of home runs, a leadoff shot in the first and a two-run longball in the eighth inning of a 7-6 loss to the host Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. Ohtani, who has 26 homers this season, talks to the ****** anese press afterward about the risk of playing while banged up.
Q: When will you start pitching?
Ohtani: I was, of course, thinking I want to do it soon, but of course, I need to go at full strength and, as I just said, having to come out of the game is the worst thing I can do. I think it's important to have confidence that if I go as hard as I did, I can move forward and stack the days together.
#john #shohei #english
The job of interpreters in the heat of the moment is difficult without the ability to write down questions and answers and re-hear responses for proper context. That's where John comes in to help. John currently works as a ****** anese-English interpreter and covered pro baseball in ****** an for about 20 years. His experience as a sports reporter includes stints at The Orange County Register, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Redlands Daily Facts, The Yomiuri Shimbun's English newspaper in Tokyo and The Epoch Times.
CHICAGO – Shohei Ohtani cracks a pair of home runs, a leadoff shot in the first and a two-run longball in the eighth inning of a 7-6 loss to the host Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. Ohtani, who has 26 homers this season, talks to the ****** anese press afterward about the risk of playing while banged up.
Q: When will you start pitching?
Ohtani: I was, of course, thinking I want to do it soon, but of course, I need to go at full strength and, as I just said, having to come out of the game is the worst thing I can do. I think it's important to have confidence that if I go as hard as I did, I can move forward and stack the days together.
#john #shohei #english
22 days ago
The Dodgers entered the 2026 season with ambitions of becoming team to three-peat in 26 years. Following Monday's trade deadline, they echoed that sentiment with a summer blockbuster and an encore.
Their string of deals began late Saturday night, as after suffering a 3-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox, they struck a deal that infuriated nearly the entire baseball world. The Dodgers landed two-time defending AL Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers while sending away outfield prospect Zyhir Hope, right-hander River Ryan and pitching prospect Brady Smith.
The addition of Skubal not only invigorates an already vaunted rotation (when fully healthy), it gives the Dodgers another left-handed option that is a proven innings eater. Before Skubal needed surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow, he had logged at least six innings of work in six of his first seven starts. He hasn't matched his pre-injury average start length since returning on June 13, but he has logged at least five innings in all but one of his nine final starts in Detroit.
For a Dodgers rotation that is still missing Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, adding Skubal in the mix keeps the six-man rotation as the norm for the pitching staff down the stretch. With Emmet Sheehan's demotion to Triple-A, the current rotation features Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Justin Wrobleski and Eric Lauer, and until the other three starters return, the Dodgers could implement a weekly bullpen game. Skubal will certainly headline the four-man rotation in the postseason, and the Dodgers have seven options to choose to accompany him come October.
Gauging what the postseason rotation will be a work in progress until October arrives. Skubal and Yamamoto are shoe-ins at the top, but the final two spots are completely up for grabs. Blake Snell is set to return next week after a final rehab start, while Tyler Glasnow has yet to embark on his rehab ***** ignment. The latter is projected to return sometime in September. Ohtani's status for returning to the mound in the regular season is unclear, though the team expects him back in October. The trio of Sasaki, Wrobleski and Lauer all were used exclusively in relief last year for both the Dodgers and Blue Jays.
#Dodgers #skubal #innings
Their string of deals began late Saturday night, as after suffering a 3-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox, they struck a deal that infuriated nearly the entire baseball world. The Dodgers landed two-time defending AL Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers while sending away outfield prospect Zyhir Hope, right-hander River Ryan and pitching prospect Brady Smith.
The addition of Skubal not only invigorates an already vaunted rotation (when fully healthy), it gives the Dodgers another left-handed option that is a proven innings eater. Before Skubal needed surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow, he had logged at least six innings of work in six of his first seven starts. He hasn't matched his pre-injury average start length since returning on June 13, but he has logged at least five innings in all but one of his nine final starts in Detroit.
For a Dodgers rotation that is still missing Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, adding Skubal in the mix keeps the six-man rotation as the norm for the pitching staff down the stretch. With Emmet Sheehan's demotion to Triple-A, the current rotation features Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Justin Wrobleski and Eric Lauer, and until the other three starters return, the Dodgers could implement a weekly bullpen game. Skubal will certainly headline the four-man rotation in the postseason, and the Dodgers have seven options to choose to accompany him come October.
Gauging what the postseason rotation will be a work in progress until October arrives. Skubal and Yamamoto are shoe-ins at the top, but the final two spots are completely up for grabs. Blake Snell is set to return next week after a final rehab start, while Tyler Glasnow has yet to embark on his rehab ***** ignment. The latter is projected to return sometime in September. Ohtani's status for returning to the mound in the regular season is unclear, though the team expects him back in October. The trio of Sasaki, Wrobleski and Lauer all were used exclusively in relief last year for both the Dodgers and Blue Jays.
#Dodgers #skubal #innings
25 days ago
The Dodgers are acquiring the biggest name of the trade deadline season, adding Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal in a blockbuster deal that bolsters their starting rotation and sent shock waves across Major League Baseball on Saturday night.
The deal, according to people with knowledge of the trade not authorized to speak publicly, comes ahead of Monday's trade deadline. The Dodgers are sending prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith to Detroit in exchange for the 29-year-old two-time American League Cy Young Award winner.
Skubal joins a rotation that was already expected to be strengthened by the return of Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow but still had question marks, particularly with Shohei Ohtani continuing to deal with a troublesome left knee.
But now with Skubal joining a rotation that features All-Stars Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Justin Wrobleski along with an improving Roki Sasaki, the pitching staff has been fortified and has considerably more flexibility as the Dodgers look ahead to the postseason and a run at a third consecutive World Series ***** le.
Read more: Plaschke: Tarik Skubal trade brings Dodgers hate, envy ... and a another championship
#tarik #league
The deal, according to people with knowledge of the trade not authorized to speak publicly, comes ahead of Monday's trade deadline. The Dodgers are sending prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith to Detroit in exchange for the 29-year-old two-time American League Cy Young Award winner.
Skubal joins a rotation that was already expected to be strengthened by the return of Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow but still had question marks, particularly with Shohei Ohtani continuing to deal with a troublesome left knee.
But now with Skubal joining a rotation that features All-Stars Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Justin Wrobleski along with an improving Roki Sasaki, the pitching staff has been fortified and has considerably more flexibility as the Dodgers look ahead to the postseason and a run at a third consecutive World Series ***** le.
Read more: Plaschke: Tarik Skubal trade brings Dodgers hate, envy ... and a another championship
#tarik #league
27 days ago
Yesterday, Ryan noted the Seattle Mariners had the chance to do something dumb. The option remains on the table tonight, particularly with Shohei Ohtani receiving a rest day. Against the resurgent Roki Sasaki and the Los Angeles Dodgers, ***** uming simplicity is simple-minded itself. But Bryan Woo is facing his greatest enemy, with nothing to do with Kyle Tucker or Max Muncy. The .304/.344/.479 line he's allowed on the road, with a .354 wOBA, is about equivalent to facing Muncy, Randy Arozarena, or Ketel Marte every single plate appearance. He should consider simply returning to magic fastballs instead of these miserable, mundane ones.
With only four games remaining between today and the trade deadline Monday, Seattle needs every bit of clarity they can find.
First Pitch: 7:10 p.m.
TV: Mariners.TV
Radio: Ol' Reliable
#ohtani
With only four games remaining between today and the trade deadline Monday, Seattle needs every bit of clarity they can find.
First Pitch: 7:10 p.m.
TV: Mariners.TV
Radio: Ol' Reliable
#ohtani
1 month ago
The Dodgers (65-38) continue their long road trip with a three game series against the Mets (43-60) in New York.
Roki Sasaki (3-5, 4.98 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) hopes to build off his impressive start against the Yankees.
Left-hander Sean Manaea (2-5, 4.74 ERA, 1.36) takes the mound for the Mets.
Teams: Dodgers at Mets
Ballpark: Citi Field, Queens
#Dodgers #roki #whip #yankees
Roki Sasaki (3-5, 4.98 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) hopes to build off his impressive start against the Yankees.
Left-hander Sean Manaea (2-5, 4.74 ERA, 1.36) takes the mound for the Mets.
Teams: Dodgers at Mets
Ballpark: Citi Field, Queens
#Dodgers #roki #whip #yankees
1 month ago
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 22: Gleyber Torres #25 of the Detroit Tigers plays against the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park on May 22, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away. As teams look to fortify their rosters for the stretch run, fantasy managers can help their squads by scouring the waiver wire for reinforcements. Let’s highlight five players to consider adding who are still available in the majority of Yahoo leagues.
Torres has been limited to 46 games this season because of injury. He recently missed over a month with an oblique ailment. Across three games since making his return, he is 3-for-11 with two walks and a run scored. He continues to show a good eye at the plate, recording a 15.3% walk rate and a 19.2% strikeout rate for the season. That has enabled him to record a .351 wOBA. The Tigers will play six games next, including three at the Athletics’ hitter-friendly park. Don’t hesitate to add Torres if you need help at second base.
Sasaki is coming off a good start against the Yankees in which he gave up one unearned run over 5 2/3 innings. The most encouraging stat from that outing was that he didn’t give up a home run for the first time since the middle of May. In Week 19, he is lined up to make a start at home against the Mariners. He has been good there, recording a 3.69 xFIP, 1.29 WHIP and 26.4% strikeout rate in Los Angeles. Consider him one of the better streaming options to target.
Ewing is swinging a hot bat, hitting 17-for-53 (.321) with two home runs and four doubles across his last 12 games. He even stole three bases during that span, giving him a total of 11 steals over 63 games. After showing an adept skill of getting on base throughout his time in the minors, he is batting .274 with a .345 OBP with the Mets. New York is slated to play seven games next week, so Ewing will have plenty of opportunities to provide fantasy value.
#good #rate #ewing
The MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away. As teams look to fortify their rosters for the stretch run, fantasy managers can help their squads by scouring the waiver wire for reinforcements. Let’s highlight five players to consider adding who are still available in the majority of Yahoo leagues.
Torres has been limited to 46 games this season because of injury. He recently missed over a month with an oblique ailment. Across three games since making his return, he is 3-for-11 with two walks and a run scored. He continues to show a good eye at the plate, recording a 15.3% walk rate and a 19.2% strikeout rate for the season. That has enabled him to record a .351 wOBA. The Tigers will play six games next, including three at the Athletics’ hitter-friendly park. Don’t hesitate to add Torres if you need help at second base.
Sasaki is coming off a good start against the Yankees in which he gave up one unearned run over 5 2/3 innings. The most encouraging stat from that outing was that he didn’t give up a home run for the first time since the middle of May. In Week 19, he is lined up to make a start at home against the Mariners. He has been good there, recording a 3.69 xFIP, 1.29 WHIP and 26.4% strikeout rate in Los Angeles. Consider him one of the better streaming options to target.
Ewing is swinging a hot bat, hitting 17-for-53 (.321) with two home runs and four doubles across his last 12 games. He even stole three bases during that span, giving him a total of 11 steals over 63 games. After showing an adept skill of getting on base throughout his time in the minors, he is batting .274 with a .345 OBP with the Mets. New York is slated to play seven games next week, so Ewing will have plenty of opportunities to provide fantasy value.
#good #rate #ewing
1 month ago
MIAMI (AP) — Rintaro Sasaki was ready to turn his long-awaited dream into a reality.
The ****** anese slugger had a choice to make. He could return to Stanford, where he played college baseball for two seasons. He could pursue a pro career in his home country, where was selected last October by the ****** uoka SoftBank Hawks in the first round of the Nippon Professional Baseball draft.
Or, he could sign with Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins, who selected him in the eighth round of the amateur draft earlier this month.
It wasn't an easy decision for Sasaki, but it was ultimately a befitting one.
"My dream is always going to be how I'm going to make it to big the leagues as soon as possible," Sasaki said Thursday, wearing a Marlins jersey. "That's a big reason for choosing Miami. It's giving me a great opportunity."
#marlins #dream
The ****** anese slugger had a choice to make. He could return to Stanford, where he played college baseball for two seasons. He could pursue a pro career in his home country, where was selected last October by the ****** uoka SoftBank Hawks in the first round of the Nippon Professional Baseball draft.
Or, he could sign with Major League Baseball's Miami Marlins, who selected him in the eighth round of the amateur draft earlier this month.
It wasn't an easy decision for Sasaki, but it was ultimately a befitting one.
"My dream is always going to be how I'm going to make it to big the leagues as soon as possible," Sasaki said Thursday, wearing a Marlins jersey. "That's a big reason for choosing Miami. It's giving me a great opportunity."
#marlins #dream
2 months ago
MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins drafted ***** anese slugger Rintaro Sasaki out of Stanford in the eighth round of the amateur draft on Sunday.
The 21-year-old first baseman played two seasons at Stanford, hitting .262 with 16 homers and 47 RBIs as a sophomore last year.
Sasaki played under ***** anese superstar Shohei Ohtani's father, Toru, as a kid and is ***** an's all-time high school home run leader.
Fukuoka SoftBank of Nippon Professional Baseball has exclusive negotiating rights after using a first-round pick on Sasaki last October, so he faces a decision whether to remain in the US or head back to ***** an to start his professional career.
___
The 21-year-old first baseman played two seasons at Stanford, hitting .262 with 16 homers and 47 RBIs as a sophomore last year.
Sasaki played under ***** anese superstar Shohei Ohtani's father, Toru, as a kid and is ***** an's all-time high school home run leader.
Fukuoka SoftBank of Nippon Professional Baseball has exclusive negotiating rights after using a first-round pick on Sasaki last October, so he faces a decision whether to remain in the US or head back to ***** an to start his professional career.
___
2 months ago
The Colorado Rockies have a rare opportunity as they try to win a series on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rockies' offense has been troublesome for the best team in baseball throughout the series, and after a narrow extra-inning loss on Monday and a comeback victory on Tuesday, Colorado looks to do it again tonight.
Gabriel Hughes (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his first career start after debuting against the San Francisco Giants last Friday. Hughes was excellent against the Giants in his debut, firing three scoreless innings to secure a save. He will have a tougher challenge this time out as he faces a dangerous Dodger offense. In nine starts in the minors this year, Hughes has a 4.71 ERA over 36.1 innings of work in that role. He has done excellent work pounding the zone, as evidenced by his 44 strikeouts against 12 walks. He'll need to be mindful of hitting his spots and utilizing all of his pitches to challenge the Dodgers and avoid getting behind hitters, thus leaving mistakes over the plate.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers will send out Roki Sasaki (3-5, 5.40 ERA). It's been a tough second season for Sasaki as he has experienced an up-and-down ride. He had one of his worst outings last Thursday when he gave up six runs on seven hits in a season-low three innings against the San Diego Padres. Sasaki has excellent stuff that can result in strikeouts, but he has struggled with his command and given up a lot of contact. He has been hit by the long ball lately, giving up seven home runs over his last four starts.
And now to the details.
First Pitch: 8:10 pm MDT
Gabriel Hughes (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his first career start after debuting against the San Francisco Giants last Friday. Hughes was excellent against the Giants in his debut, firing three scoreless innings to secure a save. He will have a tougher challenge this time out as he faces a dangerous Dodger offense. In nine starts in the minors this year, Hughes has a 4.71 ERA over 36.1 innings of work in that role. He has done excellent work pounding the zone, as evidenced by his 44 strikeouts against 12 walks. He'll need to be mindful of hitting his spots and utilizing all of his pitches to challenge the Dodgers and avoid getting behind hitters, thus leaving mistakes over the plate.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers will send out Roki Sasaki (3-5, 5.40 ERA). It's been a tough second season for Sasaki as he has experienced an up-and-down ride. He had one of his worst outings last Thursday when he gave up six runs on seven hits in a season-low three innings against the San Diego Padres. Sasaki has excellent stuff that can result in strikeouts, but he has struggled with his command and given up a lot of contact. He has been hit by the long ball lately, giving up seven home runs over his last four starts.
And now to the details.
First Pitch: 8:10 pm MDT
2 months ago
Eric Lauer had a solid season for the Toronto Blue Jays last season, posting a 3.18 ERA in 28 games, but he was off to a poor start this year.
Lauer was very important for the Blue Jays last season as he helped cover some key pitching injuries, and also was able to serve as both a starter and reliever. He came out of the bullpen in October and had a 3.12 ERA in five games during the Blue Jays' World Series run. This season, he had a 6.69 ERA in eight games for the Blue Jays, making six starts. They designated him for ******* ignment on May 11, and the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired him for cash on May 17.
The Dodgers have been dealing with pitching injuries all season, with Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell both spending time on the injured list. Relievers Edwin Díaz, Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen are also on the injured list. It made sense for them to acquire a swingman like Lauer to eat innings, but they have turned him into a key player. He has a 2.88 ERA in six games, making five starts, for the Dodgers.
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Not only is he helping the Dodgers win games, but he is also making a case to remain on the roster when some of the injured players return. Lauer seems like a far better rotation option than Roki Sasaki at this point in time. When healthy, the Dodgers may be best suited to have a rotation of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Snell, Glasnow, Lauer and Justin Wrobleski. If they want a five-man rotation, Lauer would make the most sense as a long-relief option.
Lauer was very important for the Blue Jays last season as he helped cover some key pitching injuries, and also was able to serve as both a starter and reliever. He came out of the bullpen in October and had a 3.12 ERA in five games during the Blue Jays' World Series run. This season, he had a 6.69 ERA in eight games for the Blue Jays, making six starts. They designated him for ******* ignment on May 11, and the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired him for cash on May 17.
The Dodgers have been dealing with pitching injuries all season, with Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell both spending time on the injured list. Relievers Edwin Díaz, Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen are also on the injured list. It made sense for them to acquire a swingman like Lauer to eat innings, but they have turned him into a key player. He has a 2.88 ERA in six games, making five starts, for the Dodgers.
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Not only is he helping the Dodgers win games, but he is also making a case to remain on the roster when some of the injured players return. Lauer seems like a far better rotation option than Roki Sasaki at this point in time. When healthy, the Dodgers may be best suited to have a rotation of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Snell, Glasnow, Lauer and Justin Wrobleski. If they want a five-man rotation, Lauer would make the most sense as a long-relief option.
2 months ago
LOS ANGELES — For three innings Thursday night at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers looked nothing like the club that entered play with the best record in the National League.
By the end of the night, they looked exactly like it.
After Roki Sasaki endured the shortest start this season and spotted the San Diego Padres a 6-0 lead, the Dodgers responded with 12 unanswered runs in a stunning 12-7 victory, improving to 57-31 while stretching their National League West lead to 13 games.
The comeback showcased the resilience of a lineup that never panicked. It also overshadowed another concerning outing from Sasaki, whose recent struggles continue to raise questions.
"I like the way we just kind of stayed the course," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "Tonight was a clinic."
By the end of the night, they looked exactly like it.
After Roki Sasaki endured the shortest start this season and spotted the San Diego Padres a 6-0 lead, the Dodgers responded with 12 unanswered runs in a stunning 12-7 victory, improving to 57-31 while stretching their National League West lead to 13 games.
The comeback showcased the resilience of a lineup that never panicked. It also overshadowed another concerning outing from Sasaki, whose recent struggles continue to raise questions.
"I like the way we just kind of stayed the course," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "Tonight was a clinic."
2 months ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dalton Rushing tied career highs with four hits and four RBIs as the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied from an early six-run deficit for a 12-7 victory over the skidding San Diego Padres on Thursday night.
Kyle Tucker added four hits to equal a career best and reached base five times. Andy Pages tied it with a two-run double in the fourth inning, and the Dodgers scored 12 straight runs to win for the eighth time in 10 games.
Roki Sasaki gave up six runs over three innings, including three homers, but the Los Angeles bullpen allowed just one run the rest of the way. Will Klein (3-2) worked two scoreless innings to earn the win.
It was the Dodgers' biggest comeback victory since they trailed by six runs against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022.
Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill and Jake Cronenworth homered in the first two innings for the Padres, who matched a season high with their sixth consecutive loss. Three of those defeats have come against the Dodgers.
Kyle Tucker added four hits to equal a career best and reached base five times. Andy Pages tied it with a two-run double in the fourth inning, and the Dodgers scored 12 straight runs to win for the eighth time in 10 games.
Roki Sasaki gave up six runs over three innings, including three homers, but the Los Angeles bullpen allowed just one run the rest of the way. Will Klein (3-2) worked two scoreless innings to earn the win.
It was the Dodgers' biggest comeback victory since they trailed by six runs against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022.
Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill and Jake Cronenworth homered in the first two innings for the Padres, who matched a season high with their sixth consecutive loss. Three of those defeats have come against the Dodgers.
2 months ago
LOS ANGELES - Just when things look like they couldn't possibly get any worse for the San Diego Padres after leaving Chicago with their worst loss in franchise history, they've managed to prolong this grueling stretch of bad baseball.
Not only did they extend their losing streak to six games after their 12-7 loss to the Dodgers on Thursday at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, but it was the way it happened that makes it feel like a new low for the season, giving up 12 unanswered runs.
The Padres thought they had a glimmer of hope to get back on track facing right-hander Roki Sasaki, who not only was the only starting pitcher charged with a loss during their series last weekend at Petco Park but he is currently the Dodgers weakest arm in their rotation.
But all it did was even the playing field with San Diego having issues with their own lack of quality starting arms, and it continued to be the biggest issue with this ball club with struggling right-hander Randy Vásquez on the mound.
At first, things started to look hopeful for a team that has now given 65 runs over the last six games. Before the bottom of the second inning, the Padres were ahead 6-0 and had right-hander Roki Sasaki at a 60 pitch count.
Not only did they extend their losing streak to six games after their 12-7 loss to the Dodgers on Thursday at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium, but it was the way it happened that makes it feel like a new low for the season, giving up 12 unanswered runs.
The Padres thought they had a glimmer of hope to get back on track facing right-hander Roki Sasaki, who not only was the only starting pitcher charged with a loss during their series last weekend at Petco Park but he is currently the Dodgers weakest arm in their rotation.
But all it did was even the playing field with San Diego having issues with their own lack of quality starting arms, and it continued to be the biggest issue with this ball club with struggling right-hander Randy Vásquez on the mound.
At first, things started to look hopeful for a team that has now given 65 runs over the last six games. Before the bottom of the second inning, the Padres were ahead 6-0 and had right-hander Roki Sasaki at a 60 pitch count.
2 months ago
Roki Sasaki only lasted three innings, and the Dodgers trailed 6-0 in the second inning. But it simply didn't matter because the offense roared into high gear in a 12-7 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers tied their season high with 17 hits, and their 12 runs marked their 14th game scoring in double digits, matching their total for all of last season.
Dalton Rushing, who has started 18 of the last 24 games behind the plate, got the first two runs on the board with a home run in the second inning and also doubled, part of four hits, four RBI, and three runs scored on the night.
Max Muncy had an RBI double and Kyle Tucker an RBI single in the third inning to get the Dodgers closer. Tucker had hits in each of his first four at-bats and also walked, directly after walking all four times up Wednesday against the A's.
Another crooked number came in the fourth inning, with Andy Pages tying things up with a two-run double, followed by a Mookie Betts RBI double for the lead, and a Max Muncy single.
The Dodgers tied their season high with 17 hits, and their 12 runs marked their 14th game scoring in double digits, matching their total for all of last season.
Dalton Rushing, who has started 18 of the last 24 games behind the plate, got the first two runs on the board with a home run in the second inning and also doubled, part of four hits, four RBI, and three runs scored on the night.
Max Muncy had an RBI double and Kyle Tucker an RBI single in the third inning to get the Dodgers closer. Tucker had hits in each of his first four at-bats and also walked, directly after walking all four times up Wednesday against the A's.
Another crooked number came in the fourth inning, with Andy Pages tying things up with a two-run double, followed by a Mookie Betts RBI double for the lead, and a Max Muncy single.
2 months ago
Roki Sasaki only lasted three innings, and the Dodgers trailed 6-0 in the second inning. But it simply didn't matter because the offense roared into high gear in a 12-7 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers tied their season high with 17 hits, and their 12 runs marked their 14th game scoring in double digits, matching their total for all of last season.
Dalton Rushing, who has started 18 of the last 24 games behind the plate, got the first two runs on the board with a home run in the second inning and also doubled, part of four hits, four RBI, and three runs scored on the night.
Max Muncy had an RBI double and Kyle Tucker an RBI single in the third inning to get the Dodgers closer. Tucker had hits in each of his first four at-bats and also walked, directly after walking all four times up Wednesday against the A's.
Another crooked number came in the fourth inning, with Andy Pages tying things up with a two-run double, followed by a Mookie Betts RBI double for the lead, and a Max Muncy single.
The Dodgers tied their season high with 17 hits, and their 12 runs marked their 14th game scoring in double digits, matching their total for all of last season.
Dalton Rushing, who has started 18 of the last 24 games behind the plate, got the first two runs on the board with a home run in the second inning and also doubled, part of four hits, four RBI, and three runs scored on the night.
Max Muncy had an RBI double and Kyle Tucker an RBI single in the third inning to get the Dodgers closer. Tucker had hits in each of his first four at-bats and also walked, directly after walking all four times up Wednesday against the A's.
Another crooked number came in the fourth inning, with Andy Pages tying things up with a two-run double, followed by a Mookie Betts RBI double for the lead, and a Max Muncy single.
2 months ago
One of the least-swept teams in baseball found themselves on the wrong end of history yesterday. The San Diego Padres were swept for just the third time this season after the Chicago Cubs scored 23 runs against the Friars. That total ties the Padres’ record for runs allowed in a game. It was a tough one to stomach for a team that has showed fight the last few games.
With starter Walker Buehler on the mound, it was the first pitcher that the Friar Faithful could feel confident about. Instead, Buehler disappointed and was tagged for nine runs in the blowout loss, seven coming via the long ball. It felt like the ball flew out of the yard for everybody but the Padres, who only put up three runs. They went a miserable 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
It’s been a part of a continuing trend toward mediocrity. The Friars need a win now more than ever and the schedule does not get easier from here. They’ll face the rival Los Angeles Dodgers for the second time this week, needing a turnaround to the slump San Diego has been mired in.
Sasaki started for L.A. in the only Padres’ win of last week’s series. All things considered, he pitched well apart from an 0-2 mistake to Ty France that ended up in the left field seats. The righty has been serviceable for the Dodgers this year, helping to bolster a rotation struggling with injuries.
He’s also looked better lately, with a 3.99 ERA across his last 38 1/3 innings compared to a 4.88 mark this season. Sasaki’s command has gotten better lately too (1.07 WHIP) despite walking five batters in last week’s contest against San Diego.
With starter Walker Buehler on the mound, it was the first pitcher that the Friar Faithful could feel confident about. Instead, Buehler disappointed and was tagged for nine runs in the blowout loss, seven coming via the long ball. It felt like the ball flew out of the yard for everybody but the Padres, who only put up three runs. They went a miserable 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
It’s been a part of a continuing trend toward mediocrity. The Friars need a win now more than ever and the schedule does not get easier from here. They’ll face the rival Los Angeles Dodgers for the second time this week, needing a turnaround to the slump San Diego has been mired in.
Sasaki started for L.A. in the only Padres’ win of last week’s series. All things considered, he pitched well apart from an 0-2 mistake to Ty France that ended up in the left field seats. The righty has been serviceable for the Dodgers this year, helping to bolster a rotation struggling with injuries.
He’s also looked better lately, with a 3.99 ERA across his last 38 1/3 innings compared to a 4.88 mark this season. Sasaki’s command has gotten better lately too (1.07 WHIP) despite walking five batters in last week’s contest against San Diego.
2 months ago
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been coasting through 2026, and currently lead their division–but Roki Sasaki is starting to crumble.
In the right-hander’s most recent outing, he tossed a mere four innings and allowed three earned runs to the San Diego Padres.
The Dodgers’ archrival has had easily MLB’s worst offense this season, even if things have been better as of late. Sasaki couldn’t even navigate the lowly Padres lineup, and was visibly upset.
Famously, the ultra-talented starter signed from overseas to play in MLB.
In the right-hander’s most recent outing, he tossed a mere four innings and allowed three earned runs to the San Diego Padres.
The Dodgers’ archrival has had easily MLB’s worst offense this season, even if things have been better as of late. Sasaki couldn’t even navigate the lowly Padres lineup, and was visibly upset.
Famously, the ultra-talented starter signed from overseas to play in MLB.
2 months ago
The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a brutal loss to the San Diego Padres, where they failed to get anything going offensively.
The Dodgers, on Friday Night, got support from their bullpen to keep them in the game score-wise, with only three runs coming off Roki Sasaki and the **** anese starter getting bailed out by the relievers.
However, the Dodgers only put up one run, which came on a Mookie Betts home run. It was a positive sign for a hitter whose season is still not up to snuff, but LA failed to score any additional runs despite loading the bases.
Old friend Walker Buehler got one over on the Dodgers with a strong performance, just one run over 5.1 innings.
The Dodgers can still win the series if they take the next two games and increase their lead in the National League West.
The Dodgers, on Friday Night, got support from their bullpen to keep them in the game score-wise, with only three runs coming off Roki Sasaki and the **** anese starter getting bailed out by the relievers.
However, the Dodgers only put up one run, which came on a Mookie Betts home run. It was a positive sign for a hitter whose season is still not up to snuff, but LA failed to score any additional runs despite loading the bases.
Old friend Walker Buehler got one over on the Dodgers with a strong performance, just one run over 5.1 innings.
The Dodgers can still win the series if they take the next two games and increase their lead in the National League West.
2 months ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dalton Rushing singled and a throwing error by Tyler O'Neill in the bottom of the ninth inning helped the Los Angeles Dodgers rally past the Baltimore Orioles 6-5 on Friday night in the series opener.
With two outs and two strikes, Rushing got his first hit in five at-bats. Pinch-runner Alex Call and Ryan Ward scored on right fielder O'Neill's error after he had entered as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the seventh.
Mookie Betts hit a solo shot off closer Ryan Helsley (0-3) earlier in the ninth that pulled the Dodgers to 5-4. Helsley blew his first save of the season.
Blake Treinen (4-1) pitched the ninth to get the win in relief. The Dodgers won their fourth in a row.
Jeremiah Jackson hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the seventh after consecutive home runs by Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso chased Los Angeles starter Roki Sasaki to give Baltimore a 5-3 lead.
With two outs and two strikes, Rushing got his first hit in five at-bats. Pinch-runner Alex Call and Ryan Ward scored on right fielder O'Neill's error after he had entered as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the seventh.
Mookie Betts hit a solo shot off closer Ryan Helsley (0-3) earlier in the ninth that pulled the Dodgers to 5-4. Helsley blew his first save of the season.
Blake Treinen (4-1) pitched the ninth to get the win in relief. The Dodgers won their fourth in a row.
Jeremiah Jackson hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the seventh after consecutive home runs by Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso chased Los Angeles starter Roki Sasaki to give Baltimore a 5-3 lead.
2 months ago
Dalton Rushing had been frustrated for much of the game, a fact he hadn’t hidden on his trips back to the dugout. But when it mattered the most, he came up clutch.
Down to his last strike in the bottom of the ninth inning, Rushing lined a single into right field to drive in Alex Call for the tying run. Then, an errant throw by Baltimore right fielder Tyler O’Neill allowed Ryan Ward to score and seal the Dodgers’ 6-5 win over the Orioles.
Read more: Shohei Ohtani out of Dodgers' lineup vs. Orioles for birth of his second child
Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki had faced just one over the minimum through five innings, allowing the Dodgers (49-27) to jump out to a 3-0 lead, when the Orioles (35-42) finally figured him out the third time through the order.
With two outs and a runner on, Sasaki threw a splitter on the inside edge of the strike zone to Gunnar Henderson, who homered to right field. Pete Alonso followed suit, blasting an inside fastball about belt high to left-center field to tie the score.
Down to his last strike in the bottom of the ninth inning, Rushing lined a single into right field to drive in Alex Call for the tying run. Then, an errant throw by Baltimore right fielder Tyler O’Neill allowed Ryan Ward to score and seal the Dodgers’ 6-5 win over the Orioles.
Read more: Shohei Ohtani out of Dodgers' lineup vs. Orioles for birth of his second child
Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki had faced just one over the minimum through five innings, allowing the Dodgers (49-27) to jump out to a 3-0 lead, when the Orioles (35-42) finally figured him out the third time through the order.
With two outs and a runner on, Sasaki threw a splitter on the inside edge of the strike zone to Gunnar Henderson, who homered to right field. Pete Alonso followed suit, blasting an inside fastball about belt high to left-center field to tie the score.
2 months ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dalton Rushing singled and a throwing error by Tyler O'Neill in the bottom of the ninth inning helped the Los Angeles Dodgers rally past the Baltimore Orioles 6-5 on Friday night in the series opener.
With two outs and two strikes, Rushing got his first hit in five at-bats. Pinch-runner Alex Call and Ryan Ward scored on right fielder O'Neill's error after he had entered as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the seventh.
Mookie Betts hit a solo shot off closer Ryan Helsley (0-3) earlier in the ninth that pulled the Dodgers to 5-4. Helsley blew his first save of the season.
Blake Treinen (4-1) pitched the ninth to get the win in relief. The Dodgers won their fourth in a row.
Jeremiah Jackson hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the seventh after consecutive home runs by Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso chased Los Angeles starter Roki Sasaki to give Baltimore a 5-3 lead.
With two outs and two strikes, Rushing got his first hit in five at-bats. Pinch-runner Alex Call and Ryan Ward scored on right fielder O'Neill's error after he had entered as a defensive replacement in the bottom of the seventh.
Mookie Betts hit a solo shot off closer Ryan Helsley (0-3) earlier in the ninth that pulled the Dodgers to 5-4. Helsley blew his first save of the season.
Blake Treinen (4-1) pitched the ninth to get the win in relief. The Dodgers won their fourth in a row.
Jeremiah Jackson hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the seventh after consecutive home runs by Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso chased Los Angeles starter Roki Sasaki to give Baltimore a 5-3 lead.
2 months ago
The Dodgers (48-27) host the Orioles (35-41) for a three-game series over Father's Day Weekend at Dodger Stadium.
Roki Sasaki (3-4, 4.76 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) takes the mound for the Dodgers in the series opener Friday night.
Rookie Trey Gibson (1-2, 5.91 ERA, 1.59 WHIP) makes his first career start against the Dodgers.
Teams: Dodgers vs. Orioles
Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
Roki Sasaki (3-4, 4.76 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) takes the mound for the Dodgers in the series opener Friday night.
Rookie Trey Gibson (1-2, 5.91 ERA, 1.59 WHIP) makes his first career start against the Dodgers.
Teams: Dodgers vs. Orioles
Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
3 months ago
We asked and you answered.
We here at Dodgers Nation wanted to know who the fans thought was the player of the week for the Boys in Blue, and a good percentage of you picked somebody that was catching quite a bit of heat earlier this season: Roki Sasaki.
Sasaki had the best start of his career against the Los Angeles Angeles on Friday, racking up seven scoreless inning with 10 strikeouts, two hits and two walks in 98 pitches.
Sasaki is fulfilling the potential many saw, even as he struggled earlier this year, and fans were quick to praise him for it.
Even up against the likes of Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani, what Sasaki did on Friday was special.
We here at Dodgers Nation wanted to know who the fans thought was the player of the week for the Boys in Blue, and a good percentage of you picked somebody that was catching quite a bit of heat earlier this season: Roki Sasaki.
Sasaki had the best start of his career against the Los Angeles Angeles on Friday, racking up seven scoreless inning with 10 strikeouts, two hits and two walks in 98 pitches.
Sasaki is fulfilling the potential many saw, even as he struggled earlier this year, and fans were quick to praise him for it.
Even up against the likes of Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani, what Sasaki did on Friday was special.
3 months ago
The 2020s have marked a golden era of Dodgers baseball with a chance to three-peat this season, record-breaking attendance and sponsorships, and a roster that has continued to get better after every World Series ***** le won.
But LA has learned a lot about their organization in that time, and becoming the model franchise in baseball didn’t start with signing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in 2023. This has been a process that dates back for more than a decade, and the Dodgers have identified personnel across their operation that have contributed so much behind the scenes in order to become the dynasty they are today.
One of those people is Dodgers Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Travis Smith.
If you don’t know Smith by name, odds are you’ve seen him in the Dodgers dugout after a big home run or on social media displaying a level of energy that shows what makes the sport so special. After Roki Sasaki’s Friday start vs the Angels, he immediately found Smith and spent some time going over what worked in his 10-strikeout performance.
The next day, I sat with Smith in that same dugout to learn a couple of things: What did his journey look like that landed him with the Dodgers? What has he seen from Roki Sasaki that has led to this recent success? And so much more.
Smith is a few months into his 14th season on the Dodgers staff. He has experience working on multiple teams at all levels, starting off in Double-A, then Triple-A, then getting promotions to be both Major League ***** istant and Minor League coordinator and. Now, he’s been operating as LA’s head strength and conditioning coach.
“Being a young, Black male from the city of Chicago,” Smith explained, “being able to be here on a center stage like this is important for me and for other people to be able to see that you’re able to make it.”
Coming from a heavy football background, Smith understands the discipline and competitive nature that different athletes carry. He played college football for four years at Taylor University and acknowledged it allows him to resonate with the grind that comes with a full season for all the players.
He also had to make some big adjustments once he pivoted from a football player to a baseball trainer.
“I didn’t really play baseball growing up,” Travis said. “Being able to turn on the switch, really just understanding how to train the body and the physiology allowed me to be in the room and once I got here, the players were very open to teaching me the game.
“Understand what these guys go through on a daily basis. Injuries, how to come back from that and put you in a sense of being understanding of this person.”
When the opportunity to work for the Dodgers came across Smith, he had to put other career opportunities on hold.
After working in multiple internship programs at the Minor League level, he landed his first full-time position with LA’s Double-A affiliate after working with the Miami Marlins Triple-A team the year befor
But LA has learned a lot about their organization in that time, and becoming the model franchise in baseball didn’t start with signing Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in 2023. This has been a process that dates back for more than a decade, and the Dodgers have identified personnel across their operation that have contributed so much behind the scenes in order to become the dynasty they are today.
One of those people is Dodgers Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Travis Smith.
If you don’t know Smith by name, odds are you’ve seen him in the Dodgers dugout after a big home run or on social media displaying a level of energy that shows what makes the sport so special. After Roki Sasaki’s Friday start vs the Angels, he immediately found Smith and spent some time going over what worked in his 10-strikeout performance.
The next day, I sat with Smith in that same dugout to learn a couple of things: What did his journey look like that landed him with the Dodgers? What has he seen from Roki Sasaki that has led to this recent success? And so much more.
Smith is a few months into his 14th season on the Dodgers staff. He has experience working on multiple teams at all levels, starting off in Double-A, then Triple-A, then getting promotions to be both Major League ***** istant and Minor League coordinator and. Now, he’s been operating as LA’s head strength and conditioning coach.
“Being a young, Black male from the city of Chicago,” Smith explained, “being able to be here on a center stage like this is important for me and for other people to be able to see that you’re able to make it.”
Coming from a heavy football background, Smith understands the discipline and competitive nature that different athletes carry. He played college football for four years at Taylor University and acknowledged it allows him to resonate with the grind that comes with a full season for all the players.
He also had to make some big adjustments once he pivoted from a football player to a baseball trainer.
“I didn’t really play baseball growing up,” Travis said. “Being able to turn on the switch, really just understanding how to train the body and the physiology allowed me to be in the room and once I got here, the players were very open to teaching me the game.
“Understand what these guys go through on a daily basis. Injuries, how to come back from that and put you in a sense of being understanding of this person.”
When the opportunity to work for the Dodgers came across Smith, he had to put other career opportunities on hold.
After working in multiple internship programs at the Minor League level, he landed his first full-time position with LA’s Double-A affiliate after working with the Miami Marlins Triple-A team the year befor
3 months ago
When the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series in 2024, they did what many championship teams dream of doing: they got even more aggressive. Already loaded with star power and considered the best team in MLB, the Dodgers attacked the starting pitching market and brought in several high-profile arms. One of the most intriguing additions was ***** anese phenom Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old right-hander widely viewed as one of the most talented pitchers in the world. Signing Sasaki was the easy part. Because he was under 25 years old, the Dodgers didn’t have to hand out a massive free-agent contract. The difficult part came afterward.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings: 30 teams ranked worst to first
Sasaki’s rookie season did not go according to plan. The electric right-hander struggled to consistently command his pitches and failed to live up to the enormous expectations placed on him. Things became even more complicated when injuries entered the picture, limiting his ability to find any rhythm.
When he eventually returned, many expected the Dodgers to send him to the minor leagues or significantly reduce his role.
Instead, Los Angeles made a bold decision. The Dodgers moved Sasaki to the bullpen and trusted him in meaningful situations during their 2025 postseason run. While the move helped the club capture another championship, it also showed how committed the organization remained to his long-term development.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings: 30 teams ranked worst to first
Sasaki’s rookie season did not go according to plan. The electric right-hander struggled to consistently command his pitches and failed to live up to the enormous expectations placed on him. Things became even more complicated when injuries entered the picture, limiting his ability to find any rhythm.
When he eventually returned, many expected the Dodgers to send him to the minor leagues or significantly reduce his role.
Instead, Los Angeles made a bold decision. The Dodgers moved Sasaki to the bullpen and trusted him in meaningful situations during their 2025 postseason run. While the move helped the club capture another championship, it also showed how committed the organization remained to his long-term development.
