Sasaki’s Rough First Inning Can’t Sink Dodgers in 5–4 Rally

For the third time this spring, the Dodgers dug themselves into an early hole — and for the third time, they found a way out.

Los Angeles rallied past the Cleveland Guardians 5–4, overcoming a disastrous opening frame from right-hander Roki Sasaki.

Sasaki’s outing unraveled quickly. A walk, a single, and another free pass loaded the bases with no outs. Kyle Manzardo then turned a 97-mph fastball into a grand slam to left-center, staking Cleveland to a 4–0 lead. After yet another walk, manager Dave Roberts made an early call to the bullpen.

In a spring-training twist, Sasaki returned to start the second inning and looked like a different pitcher. He worked two clean frames, faced the minimum, and struck out two — damage contained, lesson underway.

The Dodgers answered in the third when Miguel Rojas launched a two-run homer. An inning later, Zachary Ehrhard tied it with a two-run triple before Ryan Ward’s RBI single gave Los Angeles a 5–4 lead.

Cleveland would not record another hit after the first inning.

His arm is electric. The learning curve is real. What the Dodgers decide to do with Roki Sasaki next may become one of the more fascinating storylines of the spring.

Today’s Notes

Sasaki said mechanical issues — specifically upper-body timing — led to the rocky first inning.

With Gavin Stone sidelined and Blake Snell trending toward missing Opening Day, River Ryan impressed with two hitless innings and three strikeouts.

Roberts confirmed Stone’s scan showed inflammation but no structural damage. He will not throw for the next couple of weeks.