CBS Sports Analysis Questions Sustainability of Roki Sasaki’s Elite Pitching
The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher’s latest performance against the Mets showcases elite velocity and splitter usage, yet his season ERA remains a concern for fantasy managers evaluating roster addability.
CBS Sports has published its Week 19 fantasy baseball waiver wire analysis, placing significant scrutiny on Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki. The report evaluates whether Sasaki’s recent elite performance signals a sustainable turnaround or remains an outlier in an otherwise inconsistent season. The analysis centres on his latest start against the Mets, where he pitched seven innings, allowed one run, and struck out nine batters.
Sasaki utilised a splitter that generated 13 of his 21 swinging strikes, while his four-seamer averaged 98.6 mph, marking the sixth-highest velocity of his career. Despite the strong outing, Sasaki holds a 4.71 ERA and a 4.35 expected ERA for the season. The report notes that his previous high-velocity outings have not consistently translated into sustained success, citing a pattern of one strong start followed by several poor performances.
The article recommends adding several players to fantasy rosters, including catchers Alvarez and Joe Mack, hitters Ty France and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and pitchers such as Tommy White, George Lombard, and Zac Thornton. Alvarez has hit .298/.400/.489 with eight home runs in 33 games since returning from the injured list in early June. Joe Mack has hit five home runs in 50 plate appearances in July, including three in his last five games.
Ty France has posted an .894 OPS this season, with an xwOBA improving to .377 over his recent plate appearances. Christian Encarnacion-Strand has recorded three home runs and 10 hits in seven games since returning to the majors, striking out just 20% of the time in his first 30 plate appearances. Zac Thornton has a 1.93 ERA across his first four MLB starts with the Mets, though he has a 19.5% strikeout rate.
The article highlights potential roster implications from the upcoming trade deadline, specifically noting Seattle Mariners prospects and reliever Seth Weaver. Seattle Mariners pitcher Jackson Anderson is 9-1 with a 1.27 ERA in 15 starts in his first professional season. The report notes the Mariners are reportedly open to trading Emerson Hancock or Luis Castillo, potentially to make room for Anderson. Weaver recorded three saves in four appearances between July 4 and July 19, with the White Sox reportedly lacking a definitive closer.
