Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts officially announced right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki as the team’s Game 2 starter for the upcoming two-game Tokyo Series in Japan.
Roberts alluded to Sasaki starting that game early in spring, but after two dominant Cactus League outings, the Dodgers skipper said he “earned the spot.”
“He earned the spot,” Roberts said. “I’m very proud of him. For a young player to pitch for the Dodgers, obviously he’s talented and we’re excited to have him. I think it’s going to be great for him. It’s great for us. It gives us a great chance to win and it’s great for baseball.”
Sasaki will get to make his MLB debut in his home country of Japan just months after officially being posted to Major League clubs. He could not be more excited for the opportunity.
“To be able to pitch in Japan is going to be a really special and unique opportunity,” Sasaki said. “Obviously, being able to pitch in the Major Leagues is something that I’ve worked for a long time to be able to do. So I’m really excited.”
Sasaki shined across his two Cactus League appearances.
In his first one — a relief appearance following the team’s Game 1 starter in Yoshinobu Yamamoto — Sasaki pitched three shutout innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out five. He generated eight swings-and-misses and flashed his devastating splitter.
Then, in his second one — his first career start at the MLB level — Sasaki threw four shutout innings, allowing one hit and two walks with two strikeouts. He needed just 41 pitches to mow down the Cleveland Guardians.
Now, Sasaki will get his first taste of the MLB regular season, and will get the unbelievable opportunity of doing it in his home country.
