GLENDALE, Ariz. — Even during practice sessions, Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese baseball sensation, attracts significant attention. On Wednesday, he delivered 27 pitches over two innings of live batting practice in front of hundreds of fans and numerous teammates. Remarkably, it seemed that virtually the entire Los Angeles Dodgers organization was present, observing from behind home plate at Camelback Ranch.
Sasaki appeared to handle the spotlight well and showed marked improvement compared to the previous week, where he struggled with his control during a bullpen session in colder weather. He notched two strikeouts, including one against Eddie Rosario, using consecutive splitters. Sasaki mentioned, “Since it was my first time, I was figuring out how it would go. However, I felt today was better than my bullpen session.”
Although he conceded two solid line drives to hitters Tommy Edman and David Bote—without fielders present to make plays on those balls—both hits would likely have been successful. The exact velocity of Sasaki’s pitches wasn’t recorded, but Bote commented that the fastball felt like it registered in the mid-90s. Sasaki previously showcased a pitch reaching 100 mph while playing in Japan but is currently focused on regaining his speed after battling shoulder inflammation last season.
Bote praised Sasaki’s ability to pitch under pressure, stating, “To throw a live batting practice session with literally 50 individuals right behind you requires a lot of courage. The way he demonstrated his pitching skills and ability to handle the situation shows a mental resilience that is really impressive.”
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Sasaki’s talent, mentioning that he is being considered for the starting role in the second game of the season against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 19. Roberts stated, “Roki is highly gifted. We just need to continue providing him with opportunities and experiences, and he will find his own way.”
Last month, Sasaki signed a minor league contract that included a $6.5 million signing bonus as an international amateur free agent under MLB’s regulations, departing from the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Pacific League under the posting system. Had he chosen to wait an additional two years, it is likely he could have earned a contract worth nine figures as a free agent not bound by signing bonus limitations.
Notably, Sasaki is one of three Japanese players currently on the Dodgers’ roster, joining National League MVP Shohei Ohtani and fellow right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
