Early Hits to Pitching Staff Have Dodgers in Vulnerable Position
The biggest problem in the rotation has been the up-and-down innings from the much-heralded righty from Japan, Roki Sasaki.
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers walks back to the dugout after striking out against the San Francisco Giants in the fourth inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California on April 23, 2026. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
The back-to-back World Series-winning Los Angeles Dodgers already look like they need a shot in their arms because the pitching staff has taken a ton of early hits.
And if anything could derail the Dodgers from a three-peat, it’s injuries to the pitching staff.
John E. Gibson
Author
John E. Gibson has covered pro baseball in Japan for about 20 years and brings great knowledge and insight across the sports spectrum. His experience includes stints at The Orange County Register, The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, The Redlands Daily Facts and The Yomiuri Shimbun’s English newspaper in Tokyo.
