The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for an exciting season, and all eyes are on Roki Sasaki as he prepares for his next start. Manager Dave Roberts has laid out his expectations for Sasaki, who is set to take the mound against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.
Sasaki's last appearance in a Cactus League game against the Cleveland Guardians was a mixed bag. He struggled initially, giving up a grand slam without recording an out. However, he bounced back to pitch two solid innings without allowing another run, showing glimpses of his potential.
To fine-tune his skills, Sasaki recently pitched in a minor league game, where he dazzled by striking out nine batters over four innings, allowing only a leadoff single. Roberts is eager to see Sasaki replicate that performance against major-league hitters. "I’m really excited about what we see from him tomorrow," Roberts shared, highlighting the importance of Sasaki's fastball and splitter in managing the Royals' lineup.
Sasaki's journey with the Dodgers has been noteworthy. After starting his MLB career as a starter, he became a key player during the Dodgers' World Series run, allowing just one earned run over his final 12.2 innings last season. This impressive stretch has solidified his role as a starter for the upcoming season.
Roberts is confident in Sasaki's abilities, emphasizing his belief in Sasaki's continued improvement and talent. "I don’t see a world in which Roki Sasaki doesn’t open the season as a starter," Roberts stated, underscoring the potential he sees in Sasaki.
As Sasaki aims to cement his spot in the rotation, the Dodgers are hopeful that his hard work and talent will shine through. With several pitchers vying for starting roles, Sasaki's performance in spring training and early in the season will be crucial. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see what Sasaki brings to the table as he takes on the challenge.