GLENDALE, Ariz. — In a historic moment for the Dodgers, 23-year-old right-hander Roki Sasaki faced hitters for the first time in a Dodgers uniform on Wednesday. A large crowd of spectators gathered to witness this routine spring training session, a rare occurrence for such an event.
While Shohei Ohtani’s first live batting practice last year generated excitement at Camelback Ranch, Sasaki’s debut facing hitters has become the highlight of Los Angeles’ spring training so far. The anticipation was heightened when Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy were scheduled to bat against Sasaki, but they were replaced by Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas, Eddie Rosario, and David Bote. Sasaki threw 27 pitches across two simulated innings, showing glimpses of his potential with a mix of pitches.
Reflecting on his performance, Sasaki expressed optimism about his progress and adaptation to the MLB environment. He emphasized the importance of facing live hitters and working on his command and pitch selection. Sasaki’s development as a pitcher will rely on the refinement of his slider to complement his dominant fastball-splitter combo.
Off the field, Sasaki is adjusting to the demands of being a big-league pitcher and navigating a new culture and country. With the guidance of Ohtani and Yamamoto, he is learning to handle the expectations and pressures that come with playing for a team like the Dodgers. As he prepares for his rookie season, Sasaki is aware of the scrutiny and curiosity surrounding his journey to the majors.
Despite the overwhelming attention during his first live BP, Sasaki remained focused on his performance and received support from his teammates, coaches, and fans. His debut drew a crowd of spectators, including high-ranking team officials and fellow players, all eager to witness his promising talent on display. The camaraderie and encouragement from his teammates further motivate Sasaki to succeed in his transition to the MLB.
Overall, Sasaki’s first outing was a significant moment in Dodgers camp, setting the stage for his future contributions to the team. As he continues to fine-tune his skills and adapt to the challenges of professional baseball, Sasaki’s journey will be closely followed by fans and observers alike.