River Ryan impresses with control in bid to return to starting rotation; Roki Sasaki steadies after shaky first inning.

If the competition for the last opening in the Los Angeles Dodgers' starting rotation comes down to reliable command of the strike zone, River Ryan has just issued a powerful declaration.

During today's game, a 5-4 win against the Cleveland Guardians, the two hurlers displayed contrasting outings. All eyes were on Roki Sasaki, but the young Japanese flamethrower struggled to find his rhythm early. Sasaki threw 23 pitches in the first inning, issuing three walks and allowing two hits for four runs, including a grand slam by Cleveland's Kyle Manzardo.

The raw stuff remained elite; Sasaki's fastball sat at 98 mph, and his new cutter generated four whiffs. However, the results were undermined by his command, as he threw only eight strikes in the opening frame.

Sasaki stated postgame that his control issues stemmed from his upper-body mechanics "leaning forward" in the first inning. He intentionally adjusted in the second, staying more upright, and proceeded to retire six consecutive batters.

"The outcome was certainly poor, but my feel and mechanics aligned, and eventually the results matched," Sasaki said through an interpreter. "So I view that as a positive."

Following Sasaki, Ryan presented a stark contrast. Last week his strike rate was below 50%, but today he was completely locked in. His two innings of relief were dominant, striking out three while aggressively attacking the zone.

Despite the pitchers appearing back-to-back, manager Dave Roberts indicated it's too early to draw conclusions about the roster.

"You want everyone to pitch well. You want everyone to stay healthy," Roberts said. "I think at this stage, we really don't need to discuss the rotation competition. Things will become clearer by March 21st when we break camp. Right now, there are too many variables."

Update on Three Pitchers' Rehab

While today's game was played in Goodyear, several key members of the Dodgers' pitching staff continued their rehabilitation programs at the team's complex:

Evan Phillips took a significant step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, noticeably increasing his intensity while throwing to a standing catcher. Phillips, who underwent surgery last June, aims for a mid-season return.

Brock Stewart has now begun full bullpen sessions. Stewart is rehabbing from a right shoulder debridement procedure performed last September.

Bobby Miller, recovering from right shoulder soreness, officially began throwing off a mound. The Dodgers plan to use Miller as a reliever this season; he threw approximately 10 pitches to a standing catcher. This marks his first mound session of the spring.

Clubhouse Notes

Kiké Hernández remains out of the lineup as he recovers from offseason left elbow surgery. Although he will not participate in the Classic, Roberts confirmed Hernández will stay with the Dodgers for a few more days before officially departing to join Team Puerto Rico.

The Dodgers are currently without outfielder Kyle Tucker. Roberts, addressing Tucker's absence, stated he is away due to his wife expecting their child. There is no definitive timeline for his return yet; the All-Star is currently on daddy duty.