Roki Sasaki has officially stepped onto the Major League Baseball stage, and his debut has already generated considerable buzz among fans and analysts alike. The young Japanese pitcher, who recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, faced MLB hitters for the first time during his live batting practice session on Wednesday. With high expectations trailing him, Sasaki’s performance drew attention not only from his teammates but also from the coaching staff and management.
Sasaki, widely regarded as one of the most talented pitchers to emerge from Japanese baseball in recent years, shared the mound with fellow Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, both of whom have successfully transitioned to the MLB. The trio’s camaraderie offers Sasaki invaluable support as he adapts to the new challenges of North American baseball.
During the session, Sasaki pitched for two innings, throwing a total of 27 pitches. Demonstrating his skill and poise, he recorded two strikeouts, notably leaving 2021 NLCS MVP Eddie Rosario stunned with back-to-back splitters. He also faced seasoned MLB hitters Tommy Edman and David Bote, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level. After the practice, Sasaki expressed confidence, stating he felt better than in previous bullpen workouts and was pleased with his progress in refining his mechanics and control.
The atmosphere during the practice was electric, with Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts, general manager Brandon Gomes, and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman among the spectators. Sasaki admitted he was surprised by the number of people watching him pitch but remained unfazed, revealing that he felt more excitement than nerves.
Transitioning to MLB has its challenges, but Sasaki appears to be navigating them with the aid of Ohtani and Yamamoto. Their guidance has been instrumental in familiarizing him with both the technical and cultural nuances of American baseball. As the preseason games approach, Sasaki’s development will be closely monitored, with expectations that he could play a significant role in the Dodgers’ rotation.
Looking ahead, Sasaki is scheduled to face batters again before making his anticipated appearance in the Cactus League. There is even speculation that he may pitch in the second game of the Japan Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 19th. As he continues to adapt to the MLB environment, many are eager to see how his skills will translate on the field.
In a light-hearted moment, Sasaki reflected on the differences between spring training in Japan and the MLB, humorously noting the frequency of daily meetings in the United States. As fans await more updates, the excitement surrounding Sasaki’s potential impact on the Dodgers’ rotation grows.
With his first live batting practice now behind him, the baseball community is buzzing with anticipation. What are your thoughts on Roki Sasaki’s debut? Can he become a key player for the Dodgers this season? The discussion is just beginning.
