In the early days of his MLB career, Roki Sasaki has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with control issues. The Los Angeles Dodgers rookie pitcher has found it challenging to command his pitches, leading to a high number of walks and short outings.
Despite these difficulties, the Dodgers have managed to support him with strong offensive and bullpen performances, maintaining an unbeaten record. This article delves into Sasakiโs recent performance, the Dodgersโ overall strategy, and what lies ahead for this promising young pitcher.
Roki Sasakiโs Dodger Stadium Debut
In his much-anticipated Dodger Stadium debut, Roki Sasaki faced the Detroit Tigers. The game started on a rocky note for Sasaki, who exited after just 1 2/3 innings.
During this brief stint, he allowed three hits, two earned runs, and issued four walks while striking out two batters. He threw a total of 61 pitches, with only 32 finding the strike zone.
This lack of command was evident from the outset, as he struggled to locate his fastball and splitter.
Early Struggles
Sasakiโs control issues were apparent from the first batter he faced. He missed the strike zone by more than a foot on his initial fastballs to Zach McKinstry, which set the tone for the inning.
After allowing a single to McKinstry, Sasaki loaded the bases and conceded runs on a single from Manuel Margot and a walk to Trey Sweeney. Although he managed to record his first strikeout at Dodger Stadium, the inning was far from ideal.
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Second Inning Woes
The second inning didnโt offer much respite for Sasaki. He walked two more batters and was pulled from the game with two men on base and two outs. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts brought in rookie Jack Dreyer to finish the inning.
Despite Sasakiโs struggles, the Dodgersโ bullpen stepped up, striking out nine and allowing only one run over 7 1/3 innings, securing a 7-3 victory.
The Dodgersโ Resilience
Fortunately for the Dodgers, their lineup and bullpen have been strong enough to compensate for Sasakiโs short outings. The team managed to tie the game by the end of the second inning and took the lead in the fifth inning with an RBI double from Teoscar Hernรกndez. Home runs from Will Smith and Tommy Edman expanded the lead, ensuring a comfortable win.
Unbeaten Start
With this victory, the Dodgers improved to a 5-0 record, marking the first time since 1985 that the defending World Series champions have won their first five games of the season. This strong start has been crucial, especially given the rotationโs struggles with short and inefficient starts.
Dodgersโ Offensive Firepower
The Dodgersโ lineup has been a key factor in their early success. Players like Will Smith, Tommy Edman, and Teoscar Hernรกndez have consistently delivered at the plate, providing the necessary run support to offset any pitching issues. This offensive firepower has been instrumental in maintaining their unbeaten record.
Sasakiโs Potential and Challenges
Despite his early struggles, Roki Sasaki remains a highly promising talent. Known for his high-90s fastball and exceptional splitter, Sasaki has the tools to become a dominant pitcher in the MLB. However, his lack of command has been a significant hurdle in his first two starts.
Comparisons to Japanese Career
Control was not a significant issue for Sasaki during his career with the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan, where he averaged just 2.0 walks per nine innings. This stark contrast suggests that his current struggles may be attributed to adjusting to the MLB and the pressure of performing on a new stage.
Managerโs Perspective
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts speculated that Sasakiโs issues might stem from overthrowing.
According to Roberts, *There were times when there was an overthrow in there. Thatโs when a pitcher loses a ball arm-side. Itโs a little bit of coming out of your delivery, a little overthrow, so honestly, for me, I just want the ball commanded. I want the fastball commanded. If itโs 96, 97, 98, whatever it is, if itโs commanded, I just think the split will play up even better. If he can do that, heโs going to be successful.*
Looking Ahead
Sasakiโs early performances have shown that he has the potential to be a significant asset for the Dodgers, but he also has considerable work to do. At just 23 years old, he has plenty of time to refine his command and adapt to the MLB.
The Dodgersโ coaching staff will undoubtedly work closely with him to address these issues and help him reach his full potential.
Future Expectations
As the season progresses, Sasaki will have more opportunities to prove himself. The Dodgersโ strong lineup and bullpen provide a supportive environment for him to develop. If he can overcome his control issues, Sasaki has the potential to become a key player in the Dodgersโ rotation and live up to his pre-season expectations as a favorite for NL Rookie of the Year.
Fan Support
Despite his early struggles, Sasaki has garnered significant support from fans who recognize his talent and potential. The excitement surrounding his debut and the anticipation of his future performances have made him a player to watch this season.
Conclusion
Roki Sasakiโs early MLB career has been a mix of impressive pitches and frustrating walks. His command issues have led to short outings. However, the Dodgersโ strong lineup and bullpen have helped maintain their unbeaten record.
Sasakiโs potential remains undeniable. With the right adjustments, he could become a dominant force in the league. For now, fans and the Dodgers organization alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this young pitcher evolves over the course of the season.
For more detailed insights into Roki Sasakiโs recent performance, you can read the full article on Yahoo Sports.
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