GLENDALE, Ariz. — Roki Sasaki, the 23-year-old Japanese pitching sensation, continues to attract attention even during practice sessions. On Wednesday, Sasaki threw 27 pitches over a span of two innings in live batting practice, showcasing his skills to a gathering of hundreds of fans and numerous teammates. The atmosphere was heightened as it appeared that nearly the entire Los Angeles Dodgers organization observed from behind home plate at Camelback Ranch.
Sasaki seemed to handle the spotlight with ease, showing more composure than he did the previous week when he had some difficulty controlling his pitches in the chilly weather during a bullpen session. He managed to record two strikeouts, one of which came from consecutive splitters thrown to Eddie Rosario.
Reflecting on his performance, Sasaki mentioned through an interpreter, “Given that it was my first experience, I was gauging how things would play out. However, I do believe today went better for me than my bullpen session.”
While he allowed line drives from Tommy Edman and David Bote without any fielders present — suggesting they would have been hits — there was no official measurement of his pitching speed during the practice. Bote commented that Sasaki’s fastball felt to be in the mid-90s range. Although Sasaki previously clocked a 100 mph fastball in Japan, he is still in the process of recovering velocity after a bout with shoulder inflammation last season.
Bote expressed admiration for Sasaki’s poise, stating, “To throw a live batting practice with literally 50 people right behind you shows real courage. The way he demonstrated his pitching ability and how he managed the situation showcases a mental strength that’s impressive for him.”
Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts has indicated that Sasaki is a possible starter for the season’s second game when the Dodgers meet the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 19. He expressed confidence in Sasaki, saying, “Roki is undoubtedly talented; we just need to keep providing him with opportunities and experiences, and he will carve his own path.”
Last month, Sasaki committed to a minor league agreement that includes a $6.5 million signing bonus as an international amateur free agent, transitioning from the Pacific League’s Chiba Lotte Marines under the posting system. If he had chosen to wait another two years, he likely could have secured a lucrative nine-figure contract as a free agent without any restrictions on signing bonuses.
Sasaki is one of three Japanese players on the Dodgers roster, joining National League MVP Shohei Ohtani and fellow right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
