Roki Sasaki’s long-awaited MLB debut came with sky-high expectations, and for the most part, he delivered. The 23-year-old phenom lit up the Tokyo Dome, firing triple-digit fastballs and flashing the devastating splitter that made him Japan’s most sought-after pitcher. But just as fans were settling in to watch Sasaki go deeper into the game, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts made a call that turned heads—pulling him after just three innings.
Sasaki wasn’t ready to leave. He pleaded with Roberts to stay on the mound, determined to work through his command issues. But Roberts stood firm, prioritizing long-term success over short-term heroics. “That was a decision I made. I felt it was in his best interest, but he wanted to keep going,” Roberts told reporters. The choice triggered discussions.
But Roberts had a point—while Sasaki’s impressive electric skills were undeniable, there were also warning signals to consider.
The stat sheet tells the story. Roki Sasaki threw 56 pitches in three innings, but only 45% found the strike zone. He walked five, hit a batter, and labored through each frame. His pure talent was evident—he struck out Seiya Suzuki with a 99 mph heater and escaped a bases-loaded jam in the third—but the inefficiency was hard to ignore. At that pace, he might not have made it much further anyway.
Dave Roberts addresses the media after the 6-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Japan. #TokyoSeries pic.twitter.com/1Uat3YqDhf
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) March 19, 2025
Roberts was focused on safeguarding their investment in Roki Sasaki’s future with the Dodgers. He wanted to establish Sasaki as a key player in their rotation. Unsure of Sasaki’s command stability for another inning on the field might have made it illogical to continue pushing him.
Roberts has gained enough experience to recognize when a pitcher is running on adrenaline rather than efficiency. “Just the way he responded in that situation, he didn’t have his best command tonight,” Roberts explained.
So, it might not be the decision fans wanted, but it was the right one.
A nerve-wracking start: Roki Sasaki admits Opening day jitters
Even top pitchers can experience nerves on occasion. Roki Sasaki was no exception during the Wednesday Tokyo Series game. Reportedly, he was under pressure while standing on the pitcher’s mound at the Tokyo Dome, being hailed as a talent for the Dodgers and a Japanese baseball sensation at the age of 23.
While showcasing his impressive skills on the field, his control seemed to waver a little resulting in five walks in merely three innings. After the match ended, Sasaki embraced it telling MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds, “I was nervous, but in a way, it really helped me concentrate.”
Roki Sasaki displayed moments of skill and composure after a slow start that caught the attention of scouts and fans alike, with his consistent 98 mph fastball and an untouchable splitter. Even without his best command, he allowed just one hit and kept Cubs hitters off balance, proving that even on an off night, his talent can overpower big-league lineups.
The Dodgers knew this start was just a stepping stone, and Sasaki himself seemed to embrace that mindset. “I hope that I can throw more innings and really contribute to the team.” If his MLB debut was about battling nerves, his next outing will be about refining his command and settling into his role.
Now, one thing’s for sure—if this was Roki Sasaki at his most anxious, the league should be cautious of what he’ll look like when he’s fully locked in. Do you agree, too?
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