A Cool Welcome for Roki Sasaki
On a brisk, breezy Wednesday morning at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, the eyes of both media and fans were fixed on Roki Sasaki as he warmed up for his first bullpen session with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 23-year-old right-hander, a phenom from Japan, was visibly nervous, and it showed when his fastball sailed past catcher Austin Barnes and clanged against the chain-link fence. Despite the initial jitters, Sasaki managed to throw 35 pitches, showcasing an explosive fastball and a diving splitter, though with a bit of wildness.
Sasaki’s journey to the Dodgers is a testament to his potential and the allure of Major League Baseball (MLB). He agreed to a minor league contract with a $6.5 million signing bonus last month, leaving the Pacific League’s Chiba Lotte Marines under the posting system. Had he waited two more years, he could have commanded a nine-figure contract as a free agent not subject to signing bonus pools. However, the opportunity to join a storied franchise like the Dodgers was too good to pass up.
A Team of Stars
Sasaki is not alone in his transition; he joins a roster that already includes two other Japanese players: National League MVP Shohei Ohtani and right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The presence of these established stars has been invaluable in helping Sasaki acclimate to his new environment. The three have adjacent lockers and often chat after workouts, providing a supportive network in a new and unfamiliar setting.
Manager Dave Roberts, pitching coach Mark Prior, and several other members of the organization were present for Sasaki’s throwing session. Roberts noted the potential in Sasaki’s fastball, which had a lot of carry and ride to it. Barnes, who caught the session, was particularly struck by Sasaki’s splitter, describing it as a unique pitch that is different from Yamamoto’s and hard to catch due to its movement.
A Promising Start with Challenges
Despite the nerves, Sasaki’s first bullpen session was a positive experience. "I didn’t necessarily feel great today, but just being able to get through the first bullpen without any injuries was a good thing," Sasaki said through an interpreter. The cooler temperatures, in the high 50s, were a bit unexpected, but he managed to adapt.
Roberts expressed his optimism about Sasaki’s future with the team. "When he pitches, I think he’s going to be very good. I just don’t know – I don’t think anyone knows – the body of work that’s going to come this year. He’s very talented, but I’m just as curious as everyone else. In pure talent, there’s not many guys as talented as he is." The Dodgers plan to be cautious with Sasaki, especially given his history of injuries, including shoulder inflammation and an oblique injury in the past two seasons.
A Six-Man Rotation and Beyond
The Dodgers have decided to go with a six-man pitching rotation this season, a move that could benefit Sasaki as he adjusts to the rigors of MLB. Roberts mentioned the possibility of Sasaki pitching in the team’s second game of the regular season, against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 19. However, he emphasized that the plan could change based on Sasaki’s performance during spring training.
Sasaki’s transition to the Dodgers is a blend of talent and team support. Ohtani and Yamamoto have been instrumental in helping him understand the expectations and nuances of American baseball. "I feel confident that as long as he’s healthy, he’ll be able to perform well. The important thing for him is to be acclimating to the environment that he’s in," Ohtani said through an interpreter.
A Bright Future Ahead
Sasaki’s arrival has generated significant interest and excitement among Dodgers fans and the broader baseball community. His potential is undeniable, and the support he has received from his teammates and the organization is a strong indicator of his future success. As he continues to acclimate and refine his skills, the Dodgers and their fans are hopeful that Sasaki will become a key player in the team’s pursuit of another World Series title.
The next few weeks of spring training will be crucial for Sasaki as he prepares for the challenges ahead. With the support of his teammates and the careful management of the Dodgers, he has the opportunity to make a significant impact in the upcoming season and beyond.
