Dodgers confronts a Roki Sasaki problem: High hopes, hard lessons

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The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off their 2024 World Series title, entered the new season with Roki Sasaki, one of the most hyped international signings in recent memory. But just two starts into his MLB career, the reality has been far rockier than anticipated.

The 23-year-old phenom from Japan, arrived in Hollywood with sky-high expectations—and rightfully so. With a blazing fastball, a wipeout splitter, and a record of dominance in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Sasaki was billed as the next elite arm to headline an already-stacked Dodgers rotation. He ditched the Yankees for the Dodgers.

However, the Dodgers’ transition from excitement to concern has been swift, as Sasaki has struggled mightily to find his footing—and the strike zone and demands are growing for his demotion to the minor league.

From Japan to Los Angeles: A rough journey

Sasaki’s professional pedigree in Japan was nothing short of electric. Over four seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines, he compiled a stellar 29–15 record with a minuscule 2.10 ERA, racking up 505 strikeouts while issuing just 88 walks. His dominance on the mound and otherworldly control made his jump to the majors seem like a seamless transition.

However, the jump has proven tougher than anyone expected.

His MLB debut came on the global stage during the Tokyo Series, a symbolic homecoming where he pitched the second game of the season. He lasted only three innings, allowing a hit and one earned run while striking out three. Most notably, he issued five walks—an uncharacteristic stat line for someone known for his precision.

The command issues continued in his second outing—his Dodger Stadium debut—against the Detroit Tigers. In front of more than 51,000 fans eager to witness the next great Dodgers arm, Sasaki labored through just 1.2 innings, surrendering three hits, two earned runs, and another four walks. His control faltered again, and his fastball velocity dipped, a worrying sign for a pitcher whose arsenal relies heavily on velocity and late movement.

Through two starts, Sasaki has thrown only 4.2 innings, giving up three earned runs, four hits, and a staggering nine walks. His ERA sits at 5.79, but the stat that stands out most is his walk rate—nearly two per inning. It’s a far cry from the pinpoint control he exhibited in Japan.

Dodgers manager: Sasaki is ‘upset’

Despite the rocky start, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been quick to defend his young starter, urging fans and media alike to put the early struggles into perspective.

“All he’s known is success,” Roberts told reporters after Sasaki’s latest outing. “He’s certainly upset, disappointed. But you’ve got to be a pro and get back to work. It’s not the first time a starting pitcher has had two bad outings. This is all part of the learning curve.”

Roberts isn’t wrong. Transitioning from NPB to MLB is notoriously difficult, especially for pitchers. The strike zone, baseball, and batters all differ significantly. While Sasaki has the raw talent, the learning curve appears to be steeper than anticipated.

The Dodgers are not panicking—yet. Roberts confirmed Sasaki will make his next start against a formidable Philadelphia Phillies lineup featuring MVPs and Silver Sluggers. It will be his first road start in North America, and another opportunity to prove that he belongs.

“Make that start on Saturday and see where we go from there,” Roberts said, signaling a cautious, start-to-start approach.

Criticism from the outside

While the Dodgers organization remains patient, some outside voices have been less forgiving.

Jonathan Lucroy, a former 12-year MLB veteran and All-Star catcher, took to social media following Sasaki’s short outing against Detroit with blunt criticism.

“He’s soft,” Lucroy wrote on X. “I’ve seen it before. Only thing that will help him is to fail. Massively. He will either peter out, or transform into a hardened warrior.”

The post sparked controversy online, with some agreeing and others calling it unnecessary. Lucroy later doubled down: “Let me rephrase—currently in his state, he is soft. However, he can harden up and be even better.”

Lucroy’s harsh words stand in contrast to the internal tone around Sasaki’s progress, but they reflect the pressure that comes with being a high-profile international signing on a World Series contender.

Dodgers’ depth adding more troubles for Roki Sasaki

The Dodgers have the luxury of depth, and Sasaki knows he’s pitching with a short leash. With proven MLB arms currently on the injured list and several more ready in Triple-A, Los Angeles won’t hesitate to send Sasaki down for a developmental reset if needed.

The organization, though, would prefer to see improvement quickly. A minor league assignment would not be seen as a failure, but rather a course correction—a chance to find the command that made Sasaki one of the most coveted talents in the world.

This weekend’s start against Philadelphia may well determine Sasaki’s short-term future in the Dodgers rotation.

Sasaki’s raw talent remains undeniable. His splitter, in particular, has drawn rave reviews even in limited action. Once he finds his rhythm and command, he could be the weapon the Dodgers envisioned.

For now, though, the team and its fans must grapple with the reality that greatness may take time.

The Dodgers hit a Roki Sasaki bump. Whether it’s a temporary pothole or a bigger obstacle on the road to stardom remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: the journey of Roki Sasaki in Los Angeles is only just beginning.

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