Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki (24) struggled with poor performances in consecutive games, but a former Dodgers analyst viewed Sasaki positively.
On the 30th of last month (Korea time), Sasaki made a start against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, where he recorded 1⅔ innings, 3 hits, 4 walks, 2 strikeouts, and 2 earned runs.
Sasaki, who has recorded 29 wins, 15 losses, and an earned run average of 2.10 over 64 games (394⅔ innings) in Japan's professional baseball, joined the Dodgers in January amidst high expectations as one of Japan's top aces. Although many Major League teams wanted Sasaki, he signed a rookie contract worth $6.5 million (approximately 96 million won) with the Dodgers and made his historic Major League debut in his home country.
However, the results were not good. Sasaki recorded 3 innings, 1 hit, 5 walks, 3 strikeouts, and 1 earned run, exposing the problem of allowing too many walks. In his first start in the U.S., he aimed to rebound, but once again struggled with walks and was replaced without completing the 2nd inning. Sasaki displayed poor behavior by throwing the ball to a ballboy instead of handing it to manager Dave Roberts, who came to replace him, and he went into the dugout without checking on the status of the runners he put on base. He later returned to the dugout, appearing teary-eyed.
Japanese media Full Count noted, "Sasaki pitched in the game against Detroit but unfortunately was pulled after just 1⅔ innings. The team achieved a comeback victory, but there were moments when Sasaki was seen with tearful eyes on the bench. The former Dodgers analyst focused on Sasaki's 'attitude' after being pulled," reflecting on Sasaki's second appearance.
Jerry Hairston Jr., who served as a commentator for Dodgers regional broadcaster SportsNet Los Angeles and also played for the Dodgers, stated, "Roki will be fine," expressing confidence in Sasaki. He explained, "Major League Baseball is a very tough and harsh environment, and it's a stage where one's mental fortitude is tested. Such expressions are something that every Major Leaguer has likely experienced at least once," describing Sasaki's situation.
After the game, Sasaki said, "I think it’s really just a lack of skills." Conversely, this implies that there are technical aspects that can be improved. Hairston Jr. remarked, "Sasaki had a look that said he needs to 'adapt and grow more.' Will he fight or flee? He will fight, no doubt about it," expressing hope for Sasaki's rebound.
After two games (4⅔ innings) in Major League Baseball, Sasaki, who has recorded an earned run average of 5.79, faces scrutiny on whether he can overcome growing pains and develop into the ace the Dodgers expect.
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