Introduction to Roki Sasaki

Roki Sasaki’s pitching exploits in Japan are legendary, there is at least one person close to him who is sure the best is yet to come. For a pitcher who fired a perfect game in 2022 as a member of the Chiba Lotte Marines, then followed it in the next outing with eight more perfect innings, the idea that there is more to offer borders on the absurd.

Background and Experience

The Dodgers will find out soon enough after Sasaki officially was named the team’s starter for the second game of the season on March 19 in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs. If anybody should know Sasaki’s potential, it would be Tadahito Iguchi. The former World Series winner as the starting second baseman for the 2005 Chicago White Sox was Sasaki’s manager for the pitcher’s first three seasons in the Japan Pacific League from 2021-23.

Iguchi’s Insights

Iguchi was the one who made the somewhat controversial decision to remove Sasaki from an April 17, 2022, start against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, when his young pitcher was three outs away from a second consecutive perfect game. In the perfect game and the eight-inning follow-up, Sasaki had a combined 33 strikeouts in 17 innings. And the way Iguchi sees it, more domination will come, in time.

Development and Improvement

“He is, of course, in the middle of his development right now and he will be improving throughout the year,” Iguchi said through an interpreter, in between watching Shohei Ohtani at-bats in a recent Cactus League game. “That is the goal, the next step. His potential, nobody knows his future potential. The fastball and forkball combination is great. If he can play throughout the year, he will be a strong contributor to the team.”

Recent Performance

After pitching three Cactus League innings against the Cincinnati Reds in support of starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto last week, while reaching 99 mph and retiring six of the last seven batters he faced, Sasaki made his first start and final Arizona appearance against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday and thrived. The right-hander gave up a lone single over four scoreless innings with two walks and two strikeouts. He did not allow a run over his seven Cactus League innings.

Sasaki’s Reflection

“There were a few things that didn’t go the way I wanted today,” Sasaki admitted through an interpreter. “I sort of reverted to some bad habits. But to have those come out in a game before Opening Day, so that I can adjust them in time, is a good thing.”

Team Updates

The Dodgers will have to open a 40-man roster spot in order to add Sasaki when the final roster is due before the March 18 season opener. “He earned the spot,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, whose new contract became official on Tuesday. “I’m very proud of him. For a young player to pitch for the Dodgers, obviously he’s talented and we’re excited to have him. I think it’s going to be great for him. It’s great for us. It gives us a great chance to win and it’s great for baseball.”

High Five

Roberts named Dustin May the Dodgers’ No. 5 starter, rewarding him after a difficult rehab process from Tommy John surgery, that also included extended downtime for an esophageal tear. May last pitched in the major leagues on May 17, 2023.

Other Updates

Fellow fifth-starter candidate Tony Gonsolin tweaked his back lifting weights in recent days, making the Dodgers’ decision an easier one. Roberts said Gonsolin will open the season on the injured list and will remain in Arizona to resume his progression toward being a starter.

Player Progressions

While Yamamoto and Sasaki will make starts in Japan Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow will fill the Nos. 3 and 4 slots, with Roberts declining to say which pitcher gets which spot.

Have a Catch

As Shohei Ohtani’s bullpen sessions have been put on hold, while he attempts to return to pitching this season, he has participated in a pair of flat-ground throwing sessions on the outfield grass to a catcher. The most recent flat-ground session came Tuesday morning when Ohtani was throwing in the 88-90 mph range, while using his complete arsenal of pitches.

Miller Plan

Bobby Miller will continue his preparations for the season after the team departs by advancing to a two-inning, 30-pitch simulated game in the coming days. Miller’s most recent appearance was a 20-pitch live batting practice.

Slow Progression

While the Dodgers have not confirmed their 31-player traveling party for the Japan trip, Roberts did reveal that infielder Hyeseong Kim will not be a part of it. Roberts said the new addition from South Korea will open the season at Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Roki Sasaki is poised to thrive in the MLB with the Dodgers. With his impressive pitching skills and the guidance of his former manager, Tadahito Iguchi, Sasaki is expected to make a significant contribution to the team. The Dodgers have made several updates to their roster, including naming Dustin May as the No. 5 starter and placing Tony Gonsolin on the injured list.

FAQs

Q: Who is Roki Sasaki?
A: Roki Sasaki is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Q: What is Sasaki’s pitching style?
A: Sasaki is known for his fastball and forkball combination, which has been described as great by his former manager, Tadahito Iguchi.
Q: Who will be the Dodgers’ No. 5 starter?
A: Dustin May has been named the Dodgers’ No. 5 starter, following a difficult rehab process from Tommy John surgery.
Q: What is the status of Shohei Ohtani’s pitching sessions?
A: Ohtani’s bullpen sessions have been put on hold as he attempts to return to pitching this season, but he has participated in flat-ground throwing sessions on the outfield grass to a catcher.

Originally Published: March 11, 2025 at 5:18 PM PDT