Roki Sasaki’s Spring Debut: A Glimpse of Greatness
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Baseball fans, especially those rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers, have a new name to get excited about: Roki Sasaki. The 23-year-old pitcher made quite the impression in his spring training debut, and it’s safe to say that the buzz around him is well-deserved.
On Tuesday night, Sasaki took the mound at Camelback Ranch and delivered a performance that left fans and analysts alike talking. In just three innings, he managed to strike out five Cincinnati Reds batters, showcasing his potential as a formidable force in the Dodgers’ rotation. Despite leaving the game with a 2-1 deficit after the seventh inning, Sasaki’s outing was nothing short of impressive.
For those unfamiliar with Sasaki’s journey, he signed with the Dodgers in January after a competitive recruiting process. He chose the Dodgers over other interested teams like the San Diego Padres and the Toronto Blue Jays. Before making his way to Major League Baseball, Sasaki had already made a name for himself in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, where he starred for four seasons. His decision to join the Dodgers came with a $6.5 million bonus, a figure that might seem modest compared to what he could have earned had he waited two more years to enter MLB as an international free agent.
During his debut, Sasaki followed a four-inning start by his countryman, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Sasaki’s start wasn’t without its challenges. He allowed a hard-hit single to Austin Wynns and then hit Stuart Fairchild with a 97 mph fastball. However, he quickly found his rhythm, striking out two Reds regulars, TJ Friedl and Matt McLain, with his devastating split-fingered fastballs.
In the sixth inning, Sasaki faced a bit of a jam. A leadoff double from All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, a walk to Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and a wild pitch put him in a tight spot. Yet, he managed to induce a popout from Noelvi Marte to escape the inning unscathed. Sasaki’s night ended after the seventh inning, having thrown 46 pitches, 26 of which were strikes, and adding two more strikeouts to his tally.
One of the most exciting aspects of Sasaki’s game is his fastball. Known to top out at 102.5 mph, it reached a maximum velocity of 99.3 mph during his debut and averaged 98 mph. He also threw 18 splitters, generating swinging strikes on seven of them, reinforcing the belief that this pitch will be a key weapon in his arsenal as he joins the Dodgers’ rotation this year.
Looking ahead, both Yamamoto and Sasaki are expected to start the games on March 18 and 19 in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs, marking the kickoff of the 2025 MLB season. It’s an exciting time for Dodgers fans, as they get to witness the beginning of what could be a remarkable career for Roki Sasaki.
- Roki Sasaki’s spring debut: 3 scoreless innings
- Struck out five Cincinnati Reds batters
- Fastball reached 99.3 mph, averaged 98 mph
- Threw 18 splitters, 7 swinging strikes
- Expected to start against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Sasaki to see how he continues to develop and contribute to the Dodgers’ success. With his impressive debut, he’s certainly set the stage for an exciting journey ahead.
Originally Written by: Jeff Passan
