Los Angeles Dodgers fans will soon have the opportunity to witness the highly anticipated debut of Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki against Major League hitters. According to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, the 23-year-old pitching phenom is scheduled to participate in live batting practice for the first time on Wednesday.
Roki Sasaki has already completed two bullpen sessions for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts noted a marked improvement in his performance between the first and second sessions.
Los Angeles Dodgers, Roki Sasaki To Face Live Batting Practice On Wednesday
“[It] was more clean and consistent, and there probably was some nerves in that first one,” Roberts said of his second bullpen, per Dodgers Nation. “But I think each outing, each time he takes the mound, he’s going to get more and more comfortable. Certainly the next check point is when he faces some hitters, and then we get him into a Cactus League game. But the talent is still there, obviously.”
Hunter Feduccia, who was a catcher during the bullpen sessions, gave a high praise, according to Dodgers Nation.
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“He was throwing his fastball, splitter and curveball. I thought all three of them looked good,” he said. “The fastball command was there. I’m sure he’s kind of getting used to the balls. He kind of has a unique grip with the splitter. So I’m sure he’s kind of getting used to that, trying to get certain feels and hone it all in from the first bullpen. It looked it looked good in my eyes.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ offseason acquisition of Roki Sasaki, a highly sought-after pitching talent, culminated in a high-profile signing that involved numerous competing teams. Sasaki joins a Dodgers roster already brimming with talent, further enhanced by additions such as Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates, and Hyeseong Kim. This influx of new players complements an already formidable roster that clinched the 2024 World Series title. Consequently, the Dodgers are widely considered strong contenders for a repeat championship.