GLENDALE, Ariz. — Even during practice sessions, the remarkable talent of Roki Sasaki captivates attention. The 23-year-old pitcher threw 27 pitches in just two innings of live batting practice on Wednesday, attracting hundreds of fans and numerous teammates to watch. The entire Los Angeles Dodgers organization seemed keenly focused on him from their vantage point behind home plate at Camelback Ranch.
Sasaki appeared to handle the spotlight much better than he did the previous week, when he struggled with his control during a bullpen session in cooler conditions. He managed to tally two strikeouts, impressively achieving one of them with consecutive splitters thrown to Eddie Rosario.
“Since it was my first time, I was figuring out how things would unfold,” Sasaki communicated through an interpreter. “However, I felt that today was an improvement compared to my bullpen session.”
He allowed two solid line drives hit by Tommy Edman and David Bote. Although there were no fielders present to make plays, both hits would likely have been successful in a game situation.
While no specific pitch velocities were recorded, Bote remarked that Sasaki’s fastball seemed to clock in the mid-90s. Sasaki previously showcased a dazzling 100 mph fastball back in Japan but is currently working on regaining that speed after facing shoulder inflammation last season.
“Throwing live batting practice with around 50 people directly behind you is no small feat,” Bote commented. “The fact that he demonstrated his pitching ability and showcased his mental toughness during this process is truly impressive.”
Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Sasaki’s talent, mentioning he is in contention to start the club’s second game of the season against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 19. “Roki undoubtedly possesses great skills. We need to keep providing him opportunities and experiences, allowing him to carve out his own path,” Roberts stated.
Last month, Sasaki finalized a minor league agreement that included a $6.5 million signing bonus as an international amateur free agent, departing from the Chiba Lotte Marines in the Pacific League under the posting system. Had he chosen to wait an additional two years, he potentially could have secured a lucrative contract worth nine figures as a free agent, free from signing bonus limitations.
Sasaki is one of three Japanese players on the Dodgers’ roster, joining National League MVP Shohei Ohtani and fellow right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
