Los Angeles Dodgers manager\u00a0Dave Roberts\u00a0officially announced right-handed pitcher Roki Sasaki as the team\u2019s Game 2 starter for the upcoming two-game Tokyo Series in Japan.<\/p>\n
Roberts alluded to Sasaki starting that game early in spring, but after two dominant Cactus League outings, the Dodgers skipper said he \u201cearned the spot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe earned the spot,\u201d Roberts said. \u201cI\u2019m very proud of him. For a young player to pitch for the Dodgers, obviously he\u2019s talented and we\u2019re excited to have him. I think it\u2019s going to be great for him. It\u2019s great for us. It gives us a great chance to win and it\u2019s great for baseball.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sasaki will get to make his\u00a0MLB\u00a0debut 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be able to pitch in Japan is going to be a really special and unique opportunity,\u201d Sasaki said. \u201cObviously, being able to pitch in the Major Leagues is something that I\u2019ve worked for a long time to be able to do. So I\u2019m really excited.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sasaki shined across his two Cactus League appearances.<\/p>\n
In his first one \u2014 a relief appearance following the team\u2019s Game 1 starter in Yoshinobu Yamamoto \u2014 Sasaki pitched three shutout innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out five. He generated eight swings-and-misses and flashed\u00a0his devastating splitter.<\/p>\n