Dodgers’ New Star: Roki Sasaki
In the heart of the Dodgers’ spring training complex at Camelback Ranch, a young pitcher named Roki Sasaki is already making waves. Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, couldn’t help but chuckle when asked about the prospects of Sasaki versus the Lakers’ new sensation, Luka Doncic. “Being biased,” he admitted, “I hope it’s Roki.” While the NBA’s trade-deadline gem, Doncic, is already a top-three player, the optimism surrounding Sasaki underscores his immense potential. Standing at 6-foot-4, the right-hander has the talent to become an instant sensation, reminiscent of Fernando Valenzuela and Hideo Nomo, who captivated fans and critics alike in their respective eras.
A Tale of Two Pitchers
Sasaki’s journey to the Dodgers is a blend of hope and caution. When he pitches, scouts are confident he will be very good, but the true test lies in his body of work for the season. General Manager Brandon Gomes likened Sasaki to Paul Skenes, a Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, and some team officials believe he could be among the best in baseball this year. However, the caution is warranted; the Dodgers had high hopes for Bobby Miller last year, who finished with an 8.52 ERA and was left off the postseason roster. Despite this, the team’s faith in Sasaki remains strong, and Roberts has even hinted that he might start the second game of the season-opening series in Tokyo against the Chicago Cubs, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto expected to take the mound for the opener.
First Impressions and Unique Pitches
Roberts watched Sasaki’s first bullpen session in person on Wednesday, and it was clear that the 23-year-old’s pitches are something special. Austin Barnes, the catcher, was particularly impressed by Sasaki’s splitter, a pitch that elicited an “Oh, my God!” from him. “The split-finger is different,” Barnes noted. “I haven’t really seen a pitch like that before.” Sasaki’s splitter is characterized by its tumbling effect and low spin, which can go in various directions, making it a nightmare for hitters. His fastball, which has been clocked at 102.5 mph in Japan, is equally impressive. However, his slider is still a work in progress, with Sasaki experimenting with both slow and fast variations during his time with the Chiba Lotte Marines.
The Slider Conundrum
The question remains: can Sasaki thrive or even survive as a two-pitch starter if his slider isn’t major-league ready? Some observers have raised concerns about the flatness of his fastball, but Barnes remains confident in Sasaki’s ability to adapt. “I’m sure he’ll make adjustments,” Barnes said. Sasaki’s athleticism, which Gomes highlighted last month, should aid his efforts to expand his repertoire. “I think anytime you have somebody as athletic and explosive as he is, generally, the ability to make adjustments and pick up things quickly comes,” Gomes explained.
Focus and Determination
For now, Sasaki is concentrating on perfecting his two primary pitches. “My fastball and splitter weren’t good last year,” he said in Japanese. “I want to take care of that first this year.” His ERA with the Marines last season was 2.35, a slight increase from 1.78 the previous year. While he isn’t as accomplished in Japan as Yamamoto, who won three MVP awards, Sasaki is no less determined. Unlike the veteran composure of Shohei Ohtani, Sasaki is more candid about his nerves and uncertainties. “Inside, I’m really nervous,” ledhe admitted, acknowging that he’s still figuring out his identity as a pitcher. “Until I throw in the major leagues, I won’t know what I’m lacking or what I have to do to perform well,” he said.
The Road Ahead
The coming weeks and months will be crucial for Sasaki as he continues to acclimate to his new environment and fine-tune his skills. The Dodgers have high hopes for him, but they are also grounded in reality, recognizing that even the most talented pitchers need time to adjust to the major leagues. As Sasaki steps onto the field in Tokyo and beyond, the eyes of the baseball world will be on him, eager to see if he can live up to the hype and become the pitcher the Dodgers believe he can be. The journey is just beginning, and the Dodgers’ faithful are already excited to witness the next chapter in the story of Roki Sasaki.
