Roki Sasaki: A Promising Star Navigates Early Struggles in MLB
Roki Sasaki, once celebrated as a prodigious talent in Japanese baseball, has recently encountered significant hurdles in his transition to Major League Baseball (MLB). After two starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the 23-year-old pitcher finds himself grappling with challenges he has rarely faced before.
Early Career Struggles
Having been a household name in Japan since his high school years, Sasaki was accustomed to dominating his competition. Despite injuries limiting his innings and preventing him from winning the Japanese equivalent of the Cy Young Award, he showcased remarkable skill, including a fastball that could reach speeds of 100 mph.
However, his initial MLB appearances have not gone as planned. In his latest outing against the Detroit Tigers, Sasaki struggled significantly, not surviving beyond the second inning. During this game, he threw a total of 61 pitches but managed to complete only five outs, with four walks and two runs allowed. Of those pitches, just over half were strikes, indicating troubling control issues.
Manager’s Perspective
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on the situation, noting the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. “If you have a lot of success, then you’re just not really used to some adversity,” he said. The question looming over Sasaki now is how he will respond to this challenging new environment. Will he falter, or will he channel the determination that enabled other star pitchers, like Clayton Kershaw and Shohei Ohtani, to thrive?
Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki delivers during his Dodgers Stadium debut. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Finding His Footing
After his disappointing performance, it was noted that Sasaki quickly retreated to the clubhouse without handing the ball to Roberts, a gesture that some interpreted as confusion and disappointment. However, Roberts clarified that Sasaki was not being disrespectful; instead, he was struggling to fully absorb the moment.
The young pitcher acknowledged that he is still adjusting to various aspects of the game, including the MLB pitch clock and the quality of baseballs used in the United States. Sasaki stated, “It’s not that I can’t perform the way I want because of one thing. I think there are many reasons,” indicating a multifaceted struggle with his delivery and command.
A Long-Term Project
Despite the rocky start to his MLB career, the Dodgers are in a strong position to support Sasaki’s growth. With sufficient depth in their pitching roster, the team can afford to give him time to acclimatize, whether through additional starts or refining his technique in the minor leagues.
Sasaki’s performance poses minimal immediate concern for the team’s championship aspirations. The Dodgers can treat his development as a long-term project without jeopardizing their current goals.
Reflecting on the situation, Roberts provided reassurance, stating, “It’s not the first time that a starting pitcher has had two bad outings,” and emphasized the importance of professionalism in overcoming adversity.
The Road Ahead
While Sasaki faces a critical juncture in his career, his next opportunity will come against the Philadelphia Phillies. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he adapts and whether he can reclaim the dominant form that once made him a sensation in Japan.
The story of Roki Sasaki is still being written, and the outcome will depend on how he chooses to navigate the challenges ahead. Besides talent, it will take determination, resilience, and the right mindset to thrive in the high-pressure environment of Major League Baseball.