#mlb-wild-card-roster
#mlb-wild-card-roster

Dave Roberts takes strong stance on Dodgers stars' slow starts

Dave Roberts remains confident in struggling left-handed batters, believing they will improve as the season progresses despite a rocky start.

Dodgers 8, Nationals 6: Bats rally from 5 down as 4-run 8th inning completes the comeback and the sweep - Dodgers Digest

Dodgers overcame a five-run deficit to sweep the Nationals with an 8-6 victory after a two-hour rain delay.

Dodgers 10, Nationals 5: Freddie drives in 4 & Pages homers again to lead lineup in support of Glasnow's 9 Ks - Dodgers Digest

The Dodgers defeated the Nationals 10-5, showcasing strong offensive performance and solid pitching from Glasnow.

Dodgers 13, Nationals 6: New look leads to a new offense as Dodgers slug 5 homers in rout - Dodgers Digest

The Dodgers won 13-6 against the Nationals, hitting five home runs and overcoming an early deficit.

7 hours ago

Dodgers @ Nationals April 5, 2026: Sasaki goes for the sweep after rain delay, Mookie hits the IL - Dodgers Digest

The Dodgers won 10-5 against the Nationals, securing the series with a strong offensive performance and preparing for a matchup against the Blue Jays.

Los Angeles

fromDodgers Nation

Dave Roberts takes strong stance on Dodgers stars' slow starts

Dave Roberts remains confident in struggling left-handed batters, believing they will improve as the season progresses despite a rocky start.

Dodgers 8, Nationals 6: Bats rally from 5 down as 4-run 8th inning completes the comeback and the sweep - Dodgers Digest

Dodgers overcame a five-run deficit to sweep the Nationals with an 8-6 victory after a two-hour rain delay.

Dodgers 10, Nationals 5: Freddie drives in 4 & Pages homers again to lead lineup in support of Glasnow's 9 Ks - Dodgers Digest

The Dodgers defeated the Nationals 10-5, showcasing strong offensive performance and solid pitching from Glasnow.

Dodgers 13, Nationals 6: New look leads to a new offense as Dodgers slug 5 homers in rout - Dodgers Digest

The Dodgers won 13-6 against the Nationals, hitting five home runs and overcoming an early deficit.

A deeper look at the Blue Jays closer situation in 2026

The Toronto Blue Jays are evaluating their closer role, questioning Jeff Hoffman's consistency despite his previous success.

Bullpen game appears Blue Jays' best short-term solution for Cody Ponce's vacated rotation spot

The Toronto Blue Jays may use a reliever-heavy strategy for Cody Ponce's rotation spot against the White Sox.

3 Blue Jays players that need to step up with Cody Ponce out

Toronto Blue Jays face starting pitching challenges due to injuries, requiring key players like Eric Lauer and Max Scherzer to step up.

2 positive trends for the Blue Jays one week into the season and 2 negative trends

The Toronto Blue Jays finished the first week of the 2026 season with a 4-2 record, showcasing strong pitching and emerging power in their offense.

Blue Jays Series Preview: Toronto hopes to bring the W's to the Windy City

Toronto Blue Jays aim to recover from recent losses as they face the struggling White Sox in their first road series of the season.

Blue Jays forced to make emergency pitching decision before series against White Sox

Eric Lauer will pitch Sunday due to illness, with Saturday's starter still undecided for the Blue Jays against the White Sox.

7 hours ago

A deeper look at the Blue Jays closer situation in 2026

The Toronto Blue Jays are evaluating their closer role, questioning Jeff Hoffman's consistency despite his previous success.

Bullpen game appears Blue Jays' best short-term solution for Cody Ponce's vacated rotation spot

The Toronto Blue Jays may use a reliever-heavy strategy for Cody Ponce's rotation spot against the White Sox.

3 Blue Jays players that need to step up with Cody Ponce out

Toronto Blue Jays face starting pitching challenges due to injuries, requiring key players like Eric Lauer and Max Scherzer to step up.

2 positive trends for the Blue Jays one week into the season and 2 negative trends

The Toronto Blue Jays finished the first week of the 2026 season with a 4-2 record, showcasing strong pitching and emerging power in their offense.

Blue Jays Series Preview: Toronto hopes to bring the W's to the Windy City

Toronto Blue Jays aim to recover from recent losses as they face the struggling White Sox in their first road series of the season.

Blue Jays forced to make emergency pitching decision before series against White Sox

Eric Lauer will pitch Sunday due to illness, with Saturday's starter still undecided for the Blue Jays against the White Sox.

more#toronto-blue-jays

#washington-nationals

20 hours ago

The 2026 "Value" Roster: How the Nats' Payroll Flexibility Impacts World Series Odds | TalkNats.com

The Washington Nationals adopted a low-cost roster strategy in 2026, enhancing flexibility for midseason adjustments and championship contention.

Postgamer #9 Another win turned into a loss in the bullpen! | TalkNats.com

The Washington Nationals are on a 5-game losing streak, struggling with bullpen performance and questionable managerial decisions.

Game #9 Nats trying to avoid a sweep! | TalkNats.com

The Washington Nationals face a critical game against the Dodgers to avoid a 4-game losing streak and improve their record to 4-5.

For the second day in a row, the Nationals' starter dooms them

The Nationals' pitching rotation struggles continue, highlighted by a poor performance against the Dodgers, raising concerns for the team's future.

Game #5 Small sample size fun with 1st Place numbers | TalkNats.com

The Washington Nationals are performing well, currently 2-games above .500, and hope to maintain momentum against the struggling Philadelphia Phillies.

Game #6 Winner takes the series | TalkNats.com

The Washington Nationals face the Philadelphia Phillies in a decisive series finale with key player debuts and bullpen considerations.

20 hours ago

The 2026 "Value" Roster: How the Nats' Payroll Flexibility Impacts World Series Odds | TalkNats.com

The Washington Nationals adopted a low-cost roster strategy in 2026, enhancing flexibility for midseason adjustments and championship contention.

Postgamer #9 Another win turned into a loss in the bullpen! | TalkNats.com

The Washington Nationals are on a 5-game losing streak, struggling with bullpen performance and questionable managerial decisions.

Game #9 Nats trying to avoid a sweep! | TalkNats.com

The Washington Nationals face a critical game against the Dodgers to avoid a 4-game losing streak and improve their record to 4-5.

For the second day in a row, the Nationals' starter dooms them

The Nationals' pitching rotation struggles continue, highlighted by a poor performance against the Dodgers, raising concerns for the team's future.

Game #5 Small sample size fun with 1st Place numbers | TalkNats.com

The Washington Nationals are performing well, currently 2-games above .500, and hope to maintain momentum against the struggling Philadelphia Phillies.

more#washington-nationals

Game #6 Winner takes the series | TalkNats.com

The Washington Nationals face the Philadelphia Phillies in a decisive series finale with key player debuts and bullpen considerations.

Mets rally in eighth and defeat Giants in three straight games

Mets secured three consecutive victories against the Giants, highlighted by key contributions from bench players and a strong pitching performance.

fromFaithandfearinflushing

Baseball Makes No Sense (Part of a Continuing Series)

Baseball's unpredictability was showcased as the Mets achieved a surprising 9-0 victory over the Giants despite missing key players.

fromNewsday

David Lennon: Mets need someone to step up before things get really bad

Concerns about the Mets' performance and injuries are valid given their recent struggles and history of collapses.

fromNewsday

47 minutes ago

Mets rally in eighth and defeat Giants in three straight games

Mets secured three consecutive victories against the Giants, highlighted by key contributions from bench players and a strong pitching performance.

fromFaithandfearinflushing

Baseball Makes No Sense (Part of a Continuing Series)

Baseball's unpredictability was showcased as the Mets achieved a surprising 9-0 victory over the Giants despite missing key players.

fromNewsday

David Lennon: Mets need someone to step up before things get really bad

Concerns about the Mets' performance and injuries are valid given their recent struggles and history of collapses.

Yankees fail to sweep Marlins after bullpen blows late lead | Fingerlakes1.com

Yankees lost 7-6 to Marlins after leading 4-3, giving up four runs in the eighth inning.

New York Yankees

Yankees go 5 for 5 on ABS challenges in loss to Mariners

The New York Yankees successfully challenged all five calls using the Automated Ball-Strike System during a game against the Seattle Mariners.

New York Yankees

fromFingerlakes1.com

1 hour ago

Yankees fail to sweep Marlins after bullpen blows late lead | Fingerlakes1.com

Yankees lost 7-6 to Marlins after leading 4-3, giving up four runs in the eighth inning.

New York Yankees

Yankees go 5 for 5 on ABS challenges in loss to Mariners

The New York Yankees successfully challenged all five calls using the Automated Ball-Strike System during a game against the Seattle Mariners.

Boston Red Sox

Red Sox 6, Padres 8: The Marathon Pacing Conundrum

Boston Red Sox

What's the best Red Sox batting order?

Boston Red Sox

What worries you the most about the Red Sox shaky start?

Boston Red Sox

Red Sox News & Links: Sox preaching patience after slow start

Boston Red Sox

Today on OTM: Did you forget how much of a grind baseball is?

Boston Red Sox

Series Preview: Boston Red Sox at Houston Astros

5 hours ago

Boston Red Sox

Red Sox 6, Padres 8: The Marathon Pacing Conundrum

Boston Red Sox

What's the best Red Sox batting order?

Boston Red Sox

What worries you the most about the Red Sox shaky start?

Boston Red Sox

Red Sox News & Links: Sox preaching patience after slow start

Boston Red Sox

Today on OTM: Did you forget how much of a grind baseball is?

Boston Red Sox

Series Preview: Boston Red Sox at Houston Astros

Austin Riley absent, Acuna leading as DH in Diamondbacks series finale

Braves and Diamondbacks face off in series finale with key roster changes and pitching debut.

Boston Red Sox

Game 8: Padres at Red Sox - Winning streak??

Which Pre-Arbitration Pitchers Will Sign Extensions?

Recent baseball transactions have focused on player extensions, particularly for position players, while pre-arbitration pitchers remain without long-term deals.

Chicago Cubs

Two Extremes on the Same Team: PCA vs Alex Bregman's Chase Rate - Bleacher Nation

fromwww.theguardian.com

MLB 2026 predictions: are the Dodgers inevitable? Maybe not

Recent changes in baseball rules and the emergence of Shohei Ohtani are reshaping the game and its management.

Boston Red Sox

Yes, you should freak out about the Red Sox' bad start... but not because it's rational

8 hours ago

Austin Riley absent, Acuna leading as DH in Diamondbacks series finale

Braves and Diamondbacks face off in series finale with key roster changes and pitching debut.

Boston Red Sox

Game 8: Padres at Red Sox - Winning streak??

Which Pre-Arbitration Pitchers Will Sign Extensions?

Recent baseball transactions have focused on player extensions, particularly for position players, while pre-arbitration pitchers remain without long-term deals.

Chicago Cubs

Two Extremes on the Same Team: PCA vs Alex Bregman's Chase Rate - Bleacher Nation

fromwww.theguardian.com

MLB 2026 predictions: are the Dodgers inevitable? Maybe not

Recent changes in baseball rules and the emergence of Shohei Ohtani are reshaping the game and its management.

Boston Red Sox

Yes, you should freak out about the Red Sox' bad start... but not because it's rational

Blue Jays Gameday (April 5): Toronto looks to snap three-game losing streak

The Blue Jays face the White Sox in a crucial game after losing the first two, needing a win before facing the Dodgers.

Instant Reaction: Blue Jays lose 6-3 and drop series to the White Sox

Poor situational hitting, defensive errors, and bullpen struggles led to the Blue Jays' series loss against a weaker MLB team.

4 takeaways from the Blue Jays' Opening Weekend

Canada's team completed a three-game sweep against the Athletics, starting the season 3-0 for only the third time in franchise history.

9 hours ago

Blue Jays Gameday (April 5): Toronto looks to snap three-game losing streak

The Blue Jays face the White Sox in a crucial game after losing the first two, needing a win before facing the Dodgers.

Instant Reaction: Blue Jays lose 6-3 and drop series to the White Sox

Poor situational hitting, defensive errors, and bullpen struggles led to the Blue Jays' series loss against a weaker MLB team.

4 takeaways from the Blue Jays' Opening Weekend

Canada's team completed a three-game sweep against the Athletics, starting the season 3-0 for only the third time in franchise history.

The N.B.A. Has a Tanking Problem

Tanking remains a strong incentive for teams, despite league efforts to combat it.

#nhl

Washington Capitals

23 hours ago

Capitals ride hot start to rout of Sabres, stay in playoff mix

Lindy Ruff's early timeout could not prevent the Capitals from defeating the Sabres 6-2, despite Buffalo's playoff qualification.

fromTheLeafsNation

Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs need a GM decisive enough to act fast

National Hockey League

fromPuck Prose

Three teams who desperately need a rebuild after this season

NHL teams failing to meet expectations should consider a full rebuild to improve future performance.

LA Kings

fromDefector

The Wild Card Race Gives Me A Tummy Ache | Defector

The NHL playoff race is intense, with many teams vying for the final spots and showcasing desperate, flawed hockey as the season nears its end.

Washington Capitals

23 hours ago

Capitals ride hot start to rout of Sabres, stay in playoff mix

Lindy Ruff's early timeout could not prevent the Capitals from defeating the Sabres 6-2, despite Buffalo's playoff qualification.

Toronto Maple Leafs

fromTheLeafsNation

Maple Leafs need a GM decisive enough to act fast

Loyalty to core players hindered success, while indecisiveness in management led to missed opportunities for improvement.

National Hockey League

fromPuck Prose

Three teams who desperately need a rebuild after this season

NHL teams failing to meet expectations should consider a full rebuild to improve future performance.

LA Kings

fromDefector

The Wild Card Race Gives Me A Tummy Ache | Defector

The NHL playoff race is intense, with many teams vying for the final spots and showcasing desperate, flawed hockey as the season nears its end.

more#nhl

fromRiggo's Rag

Adam Peters near misses spark concern as Commanders left searching for answers

You would have to think the receiver situation is probably the most disappointing. Obviously, you go hard after Alec Pierce, and it was no secret that his preference was to go back to the Indianapolis. Pivoting to Romeo Doubs, taking a swing and missing there.

Washington DC

Dallas Cowboys

fromBlogging The Boys

Cowboys fans predict how many wins the team will get

Fan sentiment predicts the Dallas Cowboys will achieve between 9 to 12 wins in the 2026 season.

Washington Redskins

fromRiggo's Rag

Commanders' free-agent heist already turning heads even before hitting the field

Nick Cross is recognized as a significant addition to the Washington Commanders' defense, ranking 27th in Sports Illustrated's top-50 NFL free agency moves.

Dave Roberts Confident Dodgers Lineup Will Get Back On Track

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost 4-2 to the Cleveland Guardians, struggling offensively and scoring only 14 runs in their last four games.

Recap: Dodgers Complete 5th Comeback Win To Sweep Nationals

The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a comeback win against the Washington Nationals, scoring seven unanswered runs after trailing 6-1.

Mookie Betts Explains Why Dodgers Aren't 'Panicking' About Slow Start

The Dodgers overcame early-season struggles with a strong offensive performance, scoring 13 runs against the Nationals, highlighting their potential for improvement.

Dave Roberts puts big praise - and possibly a target - on 2026 Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are favorites for a third consecutive World Series title in 2026 after significant roster improvements.

Dodgers Confident At-Bat Quality Will Lead To Offensive Success

The Dodgers have a 4-2 start but are struggling with offensive consistency despite good at-bats and scoring opportunities.

Recap: Dodgers Offensive Struggles Continue In Series Loss To Guardians

The Dodgers lost their first series of the season after struggling offensively against the Guardians.

Los Angeles

Dave Roberts Confident Dodgers Lineup Will Get Back On Track

The Los Angeles Dodgers lost 4-2 to the Cleveland Guardians, struggling offensively and scoring only 14 runs in their last four games.

Recap: Dodgers Complete 5th Comeback Win To Sweep Nationals

The Los Angeles Dodgers completed a comeback win against the Washington Nationals, scoring seven unanswered runs after trailing 6-1.

Mookie Betts Explains Why Dodgers Aren't 'Panicking' About Slow Start

The Dodgers overcame early-season struggles with a strong offensive performance, scoring 13 runs against the Nationals, highlighting their potential for improvement.

Dave Roberts puts big praise - and possibly a target - on 2026 Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are favorites for a third consecutive World Series title in 2026 after significant roster improvements.

Dodgers Confident At-Bat Quality Will Lead To Offensive Success

The Dodgers have a 4-2 start but are struggling with offensive consistency despite good at-bats and scoring opportunities.

Recap: Dodgers Offensive Struggles Continue In Series Loss To Guardians

The Dodgers lost their first series of the season after struggling offensively against the Guardians.

more#los-angeles-dodgers

#cubs

2 hours ago

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Guardians 6, Cubs 5 - April 5, 2026 - Bleacher Nation

11 hours ago

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup (Game 1): Hmm ... Not Sure I Entirely Agree with This One Decision - Bleacher Nation

fromCubsinsider

Chicago Cubs

Quantifying Hope: Three-Team Race Atop Division for Best Postseason Odds -

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: I'm Really Starting to Miss Seiya Suzuki (Update: Game Postponed) - Bleacher Nation

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Guardians 4, Cubs 1 - April 3, 2026 - Bleacher Nation

fromObstructedview

Chicago Cubs

Discussion Points

2 hours ago

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Guardians 6, Cubs 5 - April 5, 2026 - Bleacher Nation

11 hours ago

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup (Game 1): Hmm ... Not Sure I Entirely Agree with This One Decision - Bleacher Nation

fromCubsinsider

Chicago Cubs

Quantifying Hope: Three-Team Race Atop Division for Best Postseason Odds -

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: I'm Really Starting to Miss Seiya Suzuki (Update: Game Postponed) - Bleacher Nation

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Guardians 4, Cubs 1 - April 3, 2026 - Bleacher Nation

fromObstructedview

Chicago Cubs

Discussion Points

Blue Jays may need this prospect more than ever now after debacle against White Sox

Brandon Valenzuela may be needed immediately by the Blue Jays due to Alejandro Kirk's injury and Tyler Heineman's poor performance.

Braves fail to pull off series win in Diamondbacks finale

The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Atlanta Braves 6-5 in extra innings, preventing the Braves from winning the series.

Washington Capitals

fromRMNB

15 hours ago

The Capitals have actually clawed their way back into playoff contention: numbers for the morning after

The Washington Capitals achieved a significant 6-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, showcasing strong performance metrics and extending their home point streak.

Toronto Maple Leafs

fromEditor In Leaf

Trade rumours are growing but Maple Leafs must keep this key player

Matthew Knies should remain off-limits for trade as he is crucial for the Maple Leafs' future.

fromFingerlakes1.com

Mets rally late to beat Giants, pick up third straight win | Fingerlakes1.com

The New York Mets secured a 5-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants, winning three of four in the series with a strong eighth inning performance.

Dino Ebel Details Kyle Tucker Fitting In With Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract, enhancing their already strong lineup for a championship run.

Roman Anthony: Red Sox's start 'unacceptable' for fans, team

The Boston Red Sox have started the season 2-7, tying their worst start in franchise history.

Connelly Early gave Red Sox a chance to win despite high pitch count, lack of command

Aroldis Chapman allowed the winning run in the ninth, leading to the Red Sox's 3-2 loss against the Padres despite Connelly Early's efforts.

Alex Cora explains his decision to slot Roman Anthony at DH early this season

Roman Anthony needs to improve defensively, but showed offensive promise despite errors.

5 concerning trends from the Red Sox' ugly start to 2026 season

Boston Red Sox start the 2026 season poorly at 1-5, facing pitching issues and a five-game losing streak.

Calm down - the Red Sox have plenty of time to turn things around

The Boston Red Sox started the season poorly at 1-4 despite offseason upgrades and strong performances from some players in previous competitions.

MLB 2026: Most polarizing teams -- Red Sox, Astros, more

The Boston Red Sox are a polarizing team for the 2026 season, with strong potential but significant concerns.

2 hours ago

Roman Anthony: Red Sox's start 'unacceptable' for fans, team

The Boston Red Sox have started the season 2-7, tying their worst start in franchise history.

Connelly Early gave Red Sox a chance to win despite high pitch count, lack of command

Aroldis Chapman allowed the winning run in the ninth, leading to the Red Sox's 3-2 loss against the Padres despite Connelly Early's efforts.

Alex Cora explains his decision to slot Roman Anthony at DH early this season

Roman Anthony needs to improve defensively, but showed offensive promise despite errors.

5 concerning trends from the Red Sox' ugly start to 2026 season

Boston Red Sox start the 2026 season poorly at 1-5, facing pitching issues and a five-game losing streak.

Boston Red Sox

Calm down - the Red Sox have plenty of time to turn things around

MLB 2026: Most polarizing teams -- Red Sox, Astros, more

The Boston Red Sox are a polarizing team for the 2026 season, with strong potential but significant concerns.

Some encouraging news as another injury highlights disappointing day for Blue Jays

Trey Yesavage is on a rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin, showing promising signs for a return to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Grant Holmes takes the mound as Braves look to keep rolling in Arizona

The Atlanta Braves are experiencing a strong start to the 2026 season, highlighted by a significant win and key player performances.

Braves News: Big win out West, Brett Wisely update, and more

The Atlanta Braves achieved a 17-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking a historic night with every starter recording an RBI.

Grant Holmes takes the mound as Braves look to keep rolling in Arizona

The Atlanta Braves are experiencing a strong start to the 2026 season, highlighted by a significant win and key player performances.

Braves News: Big win out West, Brett Wisely update, and more

The Atlanta Braves achieved a 17-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking a historic night with every starter recording an RBI.

more#atlanta-braves

MLB 2026: Who is ACTUALLY more valuable -- Judge or Ohtani?

Ohtani is certainly the most inconceivable player we've ever witnessed. But is he really the more valuable of the two?

Major League Baseball

Chicago Cubs

6 hours ago

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Guardians 0 - April 5, 2026 - Bleacher Nation

Pitchers Edward Cabrera and Slade Cecconi dominated Game 1, combining for 12 scoreless innings and allowing only two hits between them.

Justin Wrobleski not shying away from Blue Jays fans heading into start

Justin Wrobleski is set to make his first start of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays after a piggyback role.

Blue Jays ink ex-Nationals pitcher who signed one of the worst deals in team history

Patrick Corbin signed a one-year $1 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays after struggling since his 2019 World Series success.

2026 World Series contender tiers: When will your team win?

The Dodgers are the clear favorites to win the 2026 World Series, despite the challenges of repeating as champions.

Rule 5 Draft Update: April Edition

Thirteen players were selected in last year's Rule 5 draft, providing opportunities for major league play in 2026.

Five observations on the Nats before they face Dodgers in the home opener

The Nationals show unexpected promise with a young team under first-year manager Blake Butera, returning home with a 3-3 record after facing tough competition.

Blue Jays' Santander replacement fitting in on and off the field

Jesús Sánchez has quickly become a vital player for the Toronto Blue Jays, showcasing impressive stats and positive energy amidst team injuries.

fromDistrict on Deck

How did this journeyman end up becoming the early-season hero for the Nationals?

Joey Wiemer's MLB career faced significant challenges, leading to multiple trades and struggles with performance and injuries.

fromRochester Beacon

Dear Jays fans

Ernie Clement reflects on his childhood passion for baseball and its impact on his career as he prepares for the new MLB season.

fromDodgers Nation

Dodgers Have Surprising Best Hitter So Far in 2026 Season

Andy Pages has significantly improved his hitting performance in the 2026 season after struggling in the playoffs.

The pros and cons of baseball's new ABS challenge system

The ABS system improves fairness in baseball by correcting umpire mistakes, as seen in a recent game with overturned calls.

Guardians 4, Dodgers 2: Roki Sasaki looked solid, but sloppy play and anemic offense buries them - Dodgers Digest

The Dodgers offense struggled significantly, leading to a 4-2 loss against the Guardians despite Roki Sasaki's improved performance.