Roki Sasaki’s much-anticipated season on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers has not gone as smoothly as many fans hoped. Making his first start in the desert, Sasaki is currently pitching against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and early signs suggest he’s still trying to regain the form that made him one of the most hyped international signings in recent memory.
The 22-year-old right-hander was tagged early in the game, surrendering a no-doubt home run to Ketel Marte in the first inning. After recording one out, Sasaki gave up a double to Josh Naylor, followed by another long ball from Eugenio Suárez. It was a harsh welcome back and a reminder that, even with high potential, transitioning to Major League Baseball presents no guarantees.
Velocity Isn’t Getting Better
While the game is still in progress, concerns about Sasaki’s fastball have resurfaced. Across his appearances so far this season, Sasaki’s heater, once a fearsome triple-digit weapon in Japan, has averaged just 94.8 mph, with a max velocity of 96.7 mph. That’s a noticeable drop from the 100+ mph velocity that defined his reputation in the NPB.
Though he’s still generating swings and misses with his devastating splitter, the fastball has become increasingly hittable. This issue isn’t new. During the offseason, Sasaki and his agent famously asked interested MLB teams to analyze and provide insight into his pitch mechanics, particularly his fastball.
That move was seen as a test of a team’s ability to communicate with and support his development. Ironically, the very pitch that dominated scouting reports has now become a point of vulnerability.
MLB analyst Ryan Garcia offered sharp words about Sasaki’s performance thus far. “Roki Sasaki’s ERA doesn’t do justice to how much he’s struggled,” Garcia said. “The fastball’s extremely hittable, and he only has his splitter to rely on.”
Sasaki Still Finding His Rhythm
Statistically, Sasaki has shown promise but remains inconsistent. Entering tonight’s game, he held a 1-1 record with a 3.86 ERA, 24 strikeouts, and a 1.45 WHIP. While those numbers are respectable for a rookie adjusting to MLB, they fall short of the lofty expectations that followed him from Japan.
Adding to this pressure is the standout play of fellow Japanese teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was praised by an All-Star teammate as possibly the “best pitcher in the world” right now. Comparisons are inevitable, and for Sasaki, the spotlight only grows brighter.
As tonight’s game unfolds, all eyes are on whether Sasaki can recover mid-outing and show flashes of the elite potential that once made him the most sought-after arm in international baseball.