Sasaki Shines Early but Faces Challenges in Dodgers' Victory

WHO:

NY Post - Roki Sasaki is a pitcher for the Dodgers.

MLB.com - Shohei Ohtani is a two-way star for the Dodgers.

MLB.com - Dave Roberts is the manager of the Dodgers.

MLB.com - Freddie Freeman is a player for the Dodgers.

MLB.com - Jack Dreyer is a relief pitcher for the Dodgers.

MLB.com - Mookie Betts is a player for the Dodgers.

MLB.com - Tommy Edman is a player for the Dodgers.

MLB.com - Teoscar Hernández is a player for the Dodgers.

WHAT:

NY Post - Roki Sasaki showed growth despite a late stumble in a game against the Mariners.

MLB.com - The Dodgers won 6-2 against the Mariners.

MLB.com - Sasaki had seven strikeouts in the game.

MLB.com - Ohtani has a 1.79 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP in 14 starts this season.

MLB.com - Ohtani has 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings pitched.

MLB.com - Ohtani has slashed .263/.344/.526 with 10 homers and 25 RBIs in 36 games since his knee injury.

MLB.com - Ohtani slashed .305/.421/.543 with 13 homers and 40 RBIs in 63 games before his knee injury.

WHERE:

NY Post - The game took place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

MLB.com - Ohtani was held out of the Dodgers' lineup against the Mariners at Dodger Stadium.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Ohtani has not pitched in a game since July 3.

MLB.com - Ohtani did not participate in the All-Star Game in Philadelphia due to treatment on his knee.

MLB.com - Ohtani could start throwing and playing catch again "this weekend or early next week."

WHY:

MLB.com - Ohtani reported renewed soreness in his left knee, leading to a recommendation for a day off.

MLB.com - The Dodgers remain optimistic about Ohtani's availability for the postseason.

HOW:

MLB.com - Sasaki used his splitter as his primary pitch, achieving nine swings and misses with it.

MLB.com - Ohtani received a lubricating Orthovisc shot for his knee inflammation.

(UPDATED July 31, 2026 08:55 UTC)

The Dodgers secured a solid victory against the Mariners, winning six to two at Dodger Stadium, with Roki Sasaki showcasing his talent by striking out seven batters despite a late-game stumble. Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani, who has not pitched since July 3 due to knee issues, was held out of the lineup but remains a key player with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts this season. The team is hopeful about Ohtani's return, as he could start throwing and playing catch again this weekend or early next week.