Unpredictable Major League Debut for LA Dodgers' Youngster Roki Sasaki
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Hype met reality as the LA Dodgers' sensation, Roki Sasaki, took the mound for his major-league debut in the Tokyo Series finale. The Dodgers triumphed, 6-3, sweeping the competition in front of packed crowds at the Tokyo Dome.
Bombs from Tommy Edman and Shohei Ohtani, plus a long fly from Kiki Hernandez, provided the offensive firepower. An electrifying home run by Ohtani sent the Japanese fans into a frenzy, confirming the hit by replay.
Sasaki, the 23-year-old from Japan, has been the talk of the town this offseason after deciding to join the MLB. The Dodgers acquired their third Japanese standout in three years, inking a team-friendly contract as they continue to dominating the market for Japanese players.
Though Sasaki's debut was full of bright spots, it also showcased his need for refinement. In 56 pitches, he conceded a run, a hit, and five walks, but struck out four. His blazing fastball often veered off course, and his splitter — a pitch that can leave hitters guessing — wasn't alwayseffective when he failed to disguise it.
According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Sasaki's split-finger pitch is "unpredictable," capable of swooping to the left, straight down, and to the right. He added that Sasaki's lack of understanding of his own pitch makes it difficult for hitters to anticipate what it will do.
From the get-go, Sasaki displayed an unyielding determination, grunting audibly after each throw. In the first inning, his fastball reached a speed of 101 mph, and he retired the Cubs in order with a strikeout of outfielder Seiya Suzuki, one of five Japanese natives participating in the Tokyo Series.
The second inning was a bit rocky for Sasaki as he struggled to land his sizzling fastball. He walked Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson, and retired Matt Shaw in between. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a rocket to shortstop Miguel Rojas, who grabbed it and fired it to Edman at second for a double play, preserving the inning.
The third inning started with a ground out to first by Carson Kelly, but Jon Berti reached on an infield single. Three straight walks followed, forcing in a run and narrowing the gap to 3-1. However, Sasaki recovered, striking out Busch on a fastball and fanning Matt Shaw on a splitter to escape trouble.
Roberts acknowledged the youth and talent in Sasaki and stressed that it introduces variance, leading to both exciting highs and unexpected pitfalls. Despite the occasional mishaps, Roberts remains patient with the rising star, attributing them to inexperience.
Results are important, but Roberts recognizes that the learning curve for Sasaki will be steep, and not every outing will be perfect. The Dodgers will require understanding and patience as Sasaki transitions into the professional ranks, but with his immense potential, they have every reason to believe he'll be worth the wait.
Sources:
- [1], ESPN.com. "LA Dodgers' Roki Sasaki shows power stuff, command struggles in MLB debut." March 19, 2025.
- [2], FoxSports.com. "LA Dodgers prospect Roki Sasaki's electric debut, fastball and splitter impress." March 19, 2025.
- [3], MLB.com. "LA Dodgers' Roki Sasaki's split-finger pitch offers tantalizing glimpses of greatness." March 1, 2025.
- [4], The Athletic. "Roki Sasaki's Major League debut sets new standard for Japanese pitchers." March 19, 2025.
- [5], NPBTracker.com. "Roki Sasaki leaves Chiba Lotte Marines for Major League Baseball." December 1, 2024.
- In the article, it was confirmed that Roki Sasaki's split-finger pitch, often unpredictable, might need refinement due to his inexperience in the MLB.
- The Dodgers' contract with Sasaki, their third Japanese star in three years, was a team-friendly one, showcasing their strategic approach towards acquiring international talent.
- The upcoming challenges and potential pitfalls were acknowledged by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts as Sasaki, a 23-year-old rookie, embarks on his major-league journey with Sportsmoney keeping a close eye on his progress.
