Roki Sasaki’s ‘welcome to the big leagues’ moments don’t exactly go as planned.
On February 26, during an exhibition against the Chicago White Sox, the first batter Sasaki faced – Kyle Teel, MLB Pipeline’s No.32 overall prospect – took his second pitch deep into the right field stands.
Less than a month later, the Japanese phenom made his MLB debut. Rasaki toed the mound Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs in front of a packed crowd at the Tokyo Dome.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The right-handed Sasaki got off to a strong start, retiring the Cubs in order in the bottom of the first inning. Sasaki notched his first career strikeout when he fanned fellow countryman Seiya Suzuki with a 99 mph fastball up and in.
Sasaki ran into trouble in the second, walking Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson. However, Sasaki got Pete Crow-Armstrong to line out to shortstop Miguel Rojas, who doubled Busch off second base to end the inning.
Sakasi ran into further trouble an inning later. He allowed a one-out single to Jon Berti, who then promptly stole second base.
With pressure mounting, Sasaki walked three straight hitters and allowed a run.
What happened next, however, was a thing of beauty.
With the bases still loaded and only one out, Sasaki dug in and struck out Busch and Matt Shaw to end the inning.
Right-hander Luis Garcia replaced Sasaki in the fourth inning.
Sasaki allowed one hit, an earned run, walked five, and struck out three over three innings. The 21-year-old threw 56 pitches, 25 of which went for strikes.
While his control was certainly an issue, Dodgers should be pleased with Sasaki’s debut. The Dodgers swept the Tokyo Series in part because of Sasaki’s grit and pure talent.
