GLENDALE, Ariz. — Roki Sasaki, the young Japanese sensation, has made waves even during practice sessions. The 23-year-old pitcher delivered 27 pitches over two frames in live batting practice on Wednesday, attracting hundreds of fans and numerous teammates. It appeared that the entire Dodgers organization was in attendance, observing from behind home plate at Camelback Ranch.
Despite the large crowd, Sasaki maintained his composure and looked significantly more at ease compared to the previous week when he struggled with his control during a bullpen session in the colder conditions. During his practice, he secured two strikeouts, one of which came on consecutive splitters against Eddie Rosario.
Sasaki reflected on his performance, stating through an interpreter, “Since it was my first time, I was trying to gauge how everything would play out. However, I felt that today went better than my bullpen session.” He did concede two line drives off the bats of Tommy Edman and David Bote. While there were no fielders in play, both balls were likely hits.
Although there was no official reading on the speed of Sasaki’s pitches, Bote estimated that the fastball was in the mid-90s range. Sasaki had previously registered a fastball that touched 100 mph in Japan but is currently focused on regaining his velocity after battling shoulder inflammation during the prior season. “Throwing a live BP with about 50 people right behind you definitely takes courage,” Bote commented. “He showed what he can do on the mound and how he deals with this kind of pressure, which speaks volumes about his mental strength.”
Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts has mentioned that Sasaki is being considered for the starting role in the second game of the season against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo on March 19. “Roki is undoubtedly talented,” said Roberts. “We need to continue giving him chances and experiences, and he will eventually carve out his own path.”
Last month, Sasaki signed a minor league contract with a $6.5 million signing bonus after leaving the Chiba Lotte Marines in the Pacific League through the posting system. If he had chosen to wait an additional two years, he could have possibly secured a lucrative nine-figure deal as a free agent free from signing bonus restrictions.
Sasaki is one of three Japanese players now on the Dodgers’ roster, along with National League MVP Shohei Ohtani and right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
