For Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki, the splitter has long been viewed as a potential elite weapon. Even before his Major League debut, the pitch carried a reputation for being nearly untouchable when paired effectively with his fastball.

But early in his big-league career, inconsistent fastball command limited how often that devastating secondary pitch could truly play up.

Now in his second season, Sasaki is showing a willingness to evolve, and that process was on full display during Saturday’s matchup against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium.

Although the final line included four earned runs and three home runs allowed, the outing still represented a step forward. Sasaki worked into the sixth inning for the first time this season, leaning heavily on a noticeably altered splitter that produced more swing-and-miss and a better overall feel.

The most significant change was in the pitch’s shape and velocity. Sasaki threw the splitter nearly 50 times, making it his primary offering for the night. More importantly, it came in much firmer than usual, sitting around the low-90s - several ticks higher than his typical version.

That added velocity was paired with a substantial increase in spin, giving the pitch tighter movement and making it more difficult for hitters to track.

The results were encouraging. Sasaki generated a career-high number of whiffs with the pitch and consistently got ahead in counts by landing it early for strikes. The sharper version resembled the splitter he featured during his time in international play, where it was already considered one of his defining traits.

There were still bumps along the way. Mistakes in the zone were punished, including three solo home runs, highlighting that command and sequencing remain areas for refinement. Still, the willingness to adjust, particularly with a pitch already regarded as elite, underscores Sasaki’s developmental mindset.

Since arriving in Los Angeles, Sasaki has been open about being a work in progress.

This latest adjustment reinforces that notion, but it also points to a higher ceiling. If he can consistently pair his improved splitter with a more reliable fastball, the foundation is in place for him to take a significant leap forward as a frontline starter.

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