Los Angeles Dodgers did not sign Roki Sasaki specifically for what he could bring to them in 2025, but the Californian team signed the young Japanese phenomenon for the greatness that probably lies ahead.
Of course, the sooner that hopeful future arrives, the sooner it will become a dominant present.
Sasaki has not had the start that everyone expected. He had only 4.2 innings in his first two starts. In Japan, against the Chicago Cubs, he pitched three innings with one run against and four walks in 56 pitches.
Against the Detroit Tigers on March 29, he made 61 pitches in just 1.2 innings before being pulled.
Sasaki shows better control on the mound
This Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, things were much smoother. He allowed one earned run and gave up two walks in four innings of work. His arm was on fire and his control showed signs of improvement. His splitter produced a 50 percent strikeout rate.
The only disappointment on Saturday was the quick hook Sasaki received. He threw just 68 pitches, 41 of them strikes, when manager Dave Roberts called time on the Japanese’s game.
The rookie started the fifth inning with a walk to JT Realmuto; Bryson Stott hit a single to put runners on first and second with no outs, and that was enough for the Dodgers manager in a new attack of modern analytics.
Roberts’ successful move
Roberts’ decision to replace Sasaki and bring in Anthony Banda finally paid off. The reliever quickly induced a fly ball from Brandon Marsh before ending the inning with a double play from Kyle Schwarber. The bullpen held the Phillies scoreless the rest of the way, securing the 3-1 victory; the win was officially awarded to Banda.
Even so, instead of giving Banda his chance, Roberts could have given Sasaki the opportunity to prove he could handle the moment. He allowed a run in the first inning after allowing the first two batters he faced to reach base with a pair of singles, but that was the only damage allowed.
Sasaki’s confidence increased after that inning. This could have been another opportunity for him to consolidate it.
The Dodgers are being cautious for now. Even so, Sasaki will eventually have to add 70 or more pitches per game. At least this time, the frustration was not due to a failure in Sasaki’s performance.
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