Sasaki’s Debut in Dodgers Uniform
In a unique and highly anticipated moment, 23-year-old right-hander Roki Sasaki took the mound in his first live batting practice session with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday. The event drew a massive crowd, a rarity for such a routine part of spring training. Last year, it was Shohei Ohtani’s first live batting practice that had Camelback Ranch buzzing, with fans eager to see the superstar in action. However, as of now, Sasaki’s debut is the highlight of the Dodgers’ spring training, generating significant intrigue and excitement.
Facing Hitters for the First Time
The initial lineup to face Sasaki included Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas, and two veteran non-roster invitees, Eddie Rosario and David Bote. Sasaki threw 27 pitches over two simulated innings, totaling nine plate appearances. He managed to strike out Bote with a fastball and induced a couple of ugly whiffs from Rosario on his splitter. Despite some hard contact from Bote and Edman, Sasaki remained unfazed and encouraged by the experience. "I wasn’t nervous, but facing hitters for the first time using a major-league ball and pitching sort of in a game environment for the first time in a while, I was just sort of feeling out how it would go and getting used to being back in the flow of the game," Sasaki said through an interpreter.
Progress and Potential
Sasaki’s fastball-splitter combination, which was highly effective during his NPB career, was on display. He also mixed in a slider, a pitch that will be crucial to his development in MLB. While it’s possible to succeed as a starter with just two dominant pitches, as demonstrated by aces like Spencer Strider and new teammate Tyler Glasnow, Sasaki is committed to expanding his arsenal. "Having hitters in the box, even though I threw a decent amount of balls, I felt that my command was sort of where I was generally aiming for," he noted. The young pitcher’s willingness to adapt and improve is a promising sign for his future with the Dodgers.
Adjusting to a New Environment
Off the mound, Sasaki is still navigating the complexities of being a main character on a team that manager Dave Roberts has described as "the epicenter of baseball." This includes adjusting to a new culture, country, and the daily responsibilities of being a big-league pitcher. The presence of fellow countrymen Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been invaluable. "From the first day of camp, they’ve been really helpful in guiding me through all the things that I don’t know about," Sasaki said. "And as games start, there will be more and more things that I don’t know about, so being able to talk to them about those things will be really helpful."
Team Support and Excitement
The overwhelming attention Sasaki received was evident both on and off the field. Hundreds of fans filled the grass behind the chainlink backstop, jockeying for the best view. Dozens of teammates, including Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Blake Snell, stood behind home plate alongside high-ranking front office members like Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes. Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, watched from the left-field line. David Bote highlighted the supportive atmosphere, noting, "The cool part, too, is all the teammates … the support from the group here, hitters, pitchers, seeing what Roki can do. To come out and do that with that group of people, and to throw a live BP with 50 people literally right behind you — that takes guts."
Looking Ahead
Despite the pressure and scrutiny, Sasaki managed to stay focused, a testament to his mental fortitude. The unusual amount of attention for a spring training session underscores the high expectations surrounding his rookie season. Tommy Edman, one of the hitters who faced Sasaki, was amused by the crowd, saying, "I’ve also never seen this many people here to see me talk about a live BP. It was definitely a fun environment. Everybody’s excited to watch it. I’m excited to play behind him in some games this year." As Sasaki continues his journey with the Dodgers, the team’s support and his own determination will be key factors in his success.
