Roki Sasaki , once celebrated as one of Japan’s most promising pitching phenoms, is now under intense scrutiny as he navigates the challenging transition to Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Los Angeles Dodgers .
After an initial debut that showed flashes of his potential, Sasaki’s recent struggles on the mound have raised concerns among fans and the Dodgers’ management alike.
His MLB journey began with much excitement, especially after his debut in Tokyo where his raw talent was on full display. Known for his blazing fastball and sharp breaking pitches, Sasaki seemed destined for greatness.
However, the reality of competing in MLB’s demanding environment has been tougher than anticipated. In his first outing at Dodger Stadium, Sasaki struggled with control issues, walking four batters and lasting just 1.2 innings. His difficulty commanding pitches was evident, and this early setback highlighted the steep learning curve he faces.
Manager’s candid assessment
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been upfront about Sasaki’s situation, offering a mix of encouragement and blunt realism. Roberts acknowledged the young pitcher’s undeniable talent but emphasized the need for improvement in velocity and consistency.
“We’ve got to build him up, number one. We need to get that velocity back up. Once he reaches three or four outings, we expect to start seeing performance,” Roberts said. The Dodgers are a highly competitive team with a deep pitching staff featuring stars like Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, making Sasaki’s path to a regular role even more challenging.
Sasaki’s progress has also been slowed by physical setbacks. In May, he was sidelined with a right shoulder impingement, an injury that can significantly affect a pitcher’s velocity and control.
His initial rehab start in Triple-A was underwhelming, he allowed three runs over two innings, and his fastball velocity dipped noticeably from over 100 mph to the low 90s. This decline raises concerns about his health and ability to regain his top form.
Looking ahead, Sasaki is scheduled for another rehab outing soon, and the Dodgers will be closely watching his velocity, command, and overall effectiveness on the mound. The upcoming weeks are critical for him to demonstrate progress and convince the team that he can contribute at the major league level.
Despite the mounting pressure, Sasaki’s journey reflects the challenges many international players face when adapting to MLB’s rigors. With perseverance, coaching, and time, there is still hope that Sasaki can overcome these hurdles and fulfill the high expectations that accompanied his arrival in Los Angeles.
Read the full article here
