GLENDALE, Ariz. — On a crisp Wednesday morning at Camelback Ranch, Roki Sasaki took to the mound for his first bullpen session as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
As he found his groove, his fastball zipped past catcher Austin Barnes, slamming into the chain-link fence and drawing the attention of fans and media alike.
Debut Performance
This was Sasaki’s debut bullpen with the team, and the 23-year-old right-handed pitcher admitted to feeling a few butterflies in his stomach.
He felt relieved to get through the session unscathed, even though he didn’t quite feel like himself.
Still, he regarded the day as a positive milestone on his journey.
Unleashing a total of 35 pitches, Sasaki exhibited the raw power of his fastball and the effectiveness of his splitter, leaving a strong impression despite some inconsistencies during the drills.
Just a month ago, he signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers, highlighted by a stunning $6.5 million signing bonus as an international amateur free agent.
Leaving behind the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Pacific League, he chose this path, aware that he might have earned even heftier offers had he waited two more years.
High Expectations
Sasaki now joins the ranks of celebrated Japanese baseball stars such as Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, bringing fresh excitement to the Dodgers’ roster.
His performance captured the interest of manager Dave Roberts and pitching coach Mark Prior, both keen on evaluating the potential of this promising young arm.
The cool weather, with temperatures hovering just above 50 degrees, added an extra layer of challenge to the session.
Barnes praised Sasaki’s fastball for its impressive rise and strong carry, while also noting the distinctive movement of his splitter—a pitch that isn’t often seen in Major League Baseball.
This unique element made the splitter a standout part of Sasaki’s arsenal, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the catcher.
As the start of the regular season draws near, Roberts hinted that Sasaki might see action in the Dodgers’ second game against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 19, although he cautioned that these plans could change based on Sasaki’s spring training performance.
Roberts emphasized the importance of evaluating roki sasaki’s impact on dodgers‘ strategy moving forward.
He reflected on Sasaki’s unique skill set, which could provide a significant boost to the team’s pitching depth, especially in high-pressure situations.
As spring training unfolds, the coaching staff will closely monitor his development to determine the best role for him in the upcoming season.
Support System
Throughout the spring training period and the season that follows, the Dodgers plan to prioritize Sasaki’s development, especially given his recent history of injuries.
Last year, he struggled with shoulder inflammation, and this year, he faced an oblique issue, making careful management crucial.
Roberts holds high expectations for Sasaki, confident that his natural talent could yield impressive results.
Yet he also acknowledged the uncertainties that come with such a young player, remarking that few athletes possess Sasaki’s innate abilities.
With the support of seasoned players like Ohtani and Yamamoto, Sasaki is embracing his new chapter in Major League Baseball.
Their camaraderie, highlighted by conversations at adjacent lockers, serves as a motivating factor for him.
Ohtani expressed his belief in Sasaki’s capacity to succeed, stressing the significance of adapting to this new landscape.
With a solid support system and a focus on maintaining his health, both Sasaki and his teammates look forward to an exciting and promising journey ahead.
