Friday, July 17, 2026

Copyrighted by Sarah Morris, 2026

Roki Sasaki’s outstanding performance and Max Muncy’s two-run homer let the Dodgers open the theoretical second half with a 2–1 victory over the New York Yankees.

For the first time since the Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series, the Dodgers returned to the Bronx. The Yankees have played well, but they aren’t on the Dodgers’ level in 2026.

Sasaki had arguably the most dominant major league outing in his career because of great command and increased use of his slider. On Friday, his fastball reached triple digits twenty-one times, the most by a Dodger. If Dalton Rushing hadn’t had a passed ball, Sasaki would have had a scoreless outing. In his 5.2 innings, he struck out five. This outing is something that Sasaki can build on to become a dominant major league starter.

Gerrit Cole, in his first season after his Tommy John surgery, was dominant. The Dodgers couldn’t do anything against him until the seventh inning. After Mookie Betts walked, Muncy hit a second-deck shot.

Jack Dreyer was sharp. Alex Vesia had difficulty with his command, but Andy Pages, Betts, and Rushing had an incredible relay to throw out a runner at the plate. Tanner Scott was great in the ninth to collect his fourteenth save.

During the break, many injured Dodgers made progress.

Shohei Ohtani didn’t have his knee drained but had a lubricant shot on Sunday. He is slated to start on Wednesday, but pitching irritates his troublesome knee. The Dodgers don’t think he will need an offseason knee surgery.

Will Smith has had an off week from baseball activities to let his neck calm down. Dave Roberts hopes Smith can return at some point this season.

Tyler Glasnow has been throwing bullpen sessions this past week.

Blake Snell is starting his rehabilitation assignment this upcoming week. He had a NanoScope procedure to remove loose bodies from his pitching elbow.

Kiké Hernández is starting his rehabilitation assignment after suffering a torn oblique. He should return on the next home stand.

Edwin Dìaz is pitching on Friday at Oklahoma City. He will be activated when the Dodgers feel like he can be an effective closer on the major league level.

On Saturday, the Dodgers will look to win the series against the Yankees with Emmet Sheehan on the mound.