The Los Angeles Dodgers officially unveiled their Japanese gem Roki Sasaki, who took the mound for the first time during Tuesday night’s 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in Spring Training, during a Cactus League game
Sasaki threw three scoreless innings, allowed two hits, struck out five and walked one, during 46 pitches, 26 of them strikes.
The starter was another Japanese pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched four innings and allowed two runs before handing the ball to Sasaki. Both went without a decision and the win went to Mexican reliever Jose RodriguezSasaki gave a forceful message to some excited fans who gathered at Camelback Ranch, and after his performance he was full of confidence, according to his statements to SportsNet LA.
“I felt really good about being able to block some hitters and as long as I throw quality pitches, I should be able to get these guys out,” Sasaki said after his debut, where he had a three-inning relief effort.
The Dodgers will protect Sasaki from injury
The Dodgers plan is to handle Sasaki’s performances with caution after he was hampered by injuries in the last two seasons. He had shoulder inflammation last year and an oblique injury in 2023.
The strategy for the 2025 season will be to implement a six-man rotation to allow rest for its starters.
Sasaki is expected to make his official debut in the Dodgers‘ second game of the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 19.
Sasaki is one of three Japanese players with the Dodgers, along with Yamamoto and National League MVP Shohei Ohtani
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