Roki Sasaki, a 23-year-old pitcher, joined the Los Angeles Dodgers after a successful four-season stint in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). His impressive 2.10 ERA and 505 strikeouts garnered the attention of numerous MLB teams, ultimately leading to his transfer to North America.
Initial Struggles and Injuries
Despite high expectations, Sasaki’s first eight starts with the Dodgers were challenging. He posted a 4.72 ERA and faced difficulties with command. Additionally, his fastball velocity averaged only 96.1 mph. This performance was compounded by a shoulder impingement that sidelined him for over four months.
Remarkable Comeback
During his Triple-A rehab assignment in August, concerns about Sasaki’s performance resurfaced. However, a surprising increase in his fastball velocity by more than 4 mph rejuvenated his potential. This marked a turning point in his career, as he began to resemble the pitcher fans had anticipated.
Transition to the Bullpen
As the Dodgers’ starting rotation maintained its dominance, the coaching staff decided to experiment with Sasaki in a relief role. After two outings in Triple-A and two subsequent appearances in late September, Sasaki was integrated into the postseason roster.
Proving the Doubters Wrong
Rob Hill, the Dodgers’ director of pitching, praised Sasaki’s resilience amidst skepticism from various corners of the baseball community. Hill stated, “Never, ever write somebody off, never give up on somebody, regardless of how bad the circumstances look.”
Postseason Highlights
- Sasaki successfully closed out the Wild Card series against the Cincinnati Reds.
- He achieved his first two career saves in the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Philadelphia Phillies.
These accomplishments not only underscored his talent but also took place in a highly challenging playoff environment, noted for its difficulty in securing wins.
Conclusion
Sasaki’s journey from NPB star to a significant contributor for the Dodgers reflects his ability to overcome adversity. His performances in the postseason have prompted discussions about his future, revealing a promising trajectory for the young pitcher in Major League Baseball.
