Roki Sasaki’s spring performance has validated the Los Angeles Dodgers’ expectations following his offseason signing. Sasaki has impressively recorded seven strikeouts across seven innings in his two appearances, including one start. However, Sasaki remains focused on refining his skills before his highly anticipated Major League Baseball debut against the Chicago Cubs on March 19 in Tokyo.
Roki Sasaki Looking to Improve for Los Angeles Dodgers Ahead Of Tokyo Series
“There are a few more things that didn’t go sort of the way I wanted today,” Sasaki expressed after his start against the Guardians. “I reverted to some bad habits that I developed. To have those come out in a game before Opening Day, so that I can address them in time, is a good thing. … I think there were just a few things with the way I’m using my lower half, just some inconsistency between the things that I’m trying to do and what was actually happening.”
The Dodgers have strategically increased Sasaki’s workload, starting with a three-inning relief appearance against the Reds and culminating in a four-inning start against the Cleveland Guardians. Manager Dave Roberts has observed significant progress in Sasaki’s performance. “As he started to pitch in games, get on a routine, I think the command started to continually get better,” Roberts noted. “He was commanding the baseball much better. I think he learned early on that his split plays here as long as he presents it as a strike. There’s swing-and-miss there, and it protects his fastball. So [Tuesday], certainly very efficient.”
Sasaki is now preparing for a potential five-inning outing against the Cubs during the Tokyo Series in his native Japan, an opportunity he eagerly anticipates. “Obviously being able to pitch in the major leagues is something that I’ve worked for a long time to be able to do,” he said. “So I’m really excited.”