The Los Angeles Dodgers are eagerly preparing for the highly anticipated Major League Baseball debut of Roki Sasaki, the young Japanese pitcher who has already demonstrated the immense talent that made him one of the offseason’s most exciting signings. In his early appearances during the Cactus League, Sasaki struck out seven opponents in just seven innings, showcasing the potential that positions him as a key player for the Dodgers in the upcoming 2024 season.
Despite these promising performances, Sasaki recognizes that there are still areas requiring refinement ahead of his first official game against the Chicago Cubs on March 19th in Tokyo. In a candid assessment of his performance, he pointed out specific technical aspects that he needs to improve upon to elevate his game further. He has returned to some undesirable pitching habits, and he believes identifying and addressing these issues before the regular season is crucial for his success.
A primary focus for Sasaki is enhancing the use of his lower body during pitching, striving for greater consistency between his intended mechanics and what transpires on the mound. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has praised Sasaki’s evolution since joining the team, noting significant improvements in both his confidence and command within a short timeframe. Roberts highlighted the importance of Sasaki’s splitter, one of the most effective pitches in his arsenal, suggesting that as he learns to utilize it as a strike pitch, it will enable him to generate more missed swings and better protect his fastball.
The Dodgers coaching staff has closely monitored Sasaki’s progress, gradually increasing his workload. He began his Cactus League appearances in a relief role against the Cincinnati Reds, pitching three innings, before starting against the Cleveland Guardians and lasting four innings. The next significant step for Sasaki will be to pitch at least five innings against the Cubs, marking a symbolic moment as he makes his official MLB debut in his home country.
This opportunity holds special significance for Sasaki, who has expressed how much effort he has invested to reach this point and his eagerness to finally take the mound as a starter in a regular season game. With high expectations surrounding his debut, he remains committed to refining every detail to ensure the best possible performance.
As excitement builds for Sasaki’s debut, the baseball community is left wondering about his readiness to dominate the league. Fans and analysts alike are encouraged to share their thoughts on his performance thus far and whether he requires more time to adjust to the rigors of Major League Baseball. The anticipation continues to grow as the Dodgers prepare for a season that could very well be influenced by the young pitcher’s contributions.