SURPRISE, AZ - Roki Sasaki had plenty to share with Dodgers fans after his Tuesday night start against the Royals in Surprise. He offered insights into his early successes, mid-game struggles, and what he aims to refine before the regular season kicks off.
Diagnosing Third Inning Trouble
Sasaki started strong, noting, “The first two innings, my velocity was there, and my breaking pitches were going where I wanted, so I felt good about that.” However, the third inning presented challenges.
He explained, “I threw quite a few two-seamers, and with that, I started to get too much arm-side action, which pulled me toward home plate. That’s where things started to unravel.”
His arm angle shifted with the two-seamer, causing issues. “That inning ended with a walk, so I wasn’t able to fix it during the inning,” he added.
Adjustments came in the following inning as he and the catcher focused on a mix of four-seamers, splitters, and sliders.
The Difference Between Spring and the Regular Season
Reflecting on spring training, Sasaki said, “In real games, different issues arise, and I want those to appear now. The final result doesn’t matter as much in spring; it’s about being ready for the season.”
With one more game before the season, his focus is shifting. “I want to pitch with the regular season in mind, be more conscious of the game plan, and focus on results,” he stated.
This transition from building to sharpening is crucial, and Sasaki seems ready for it.
A Pitch in Progress
Sasaki’s work on his slider and cutter was another focal point. “Some sliders and cutters hit good spots today, but they need more strength to challenge hitters,” he noted.
He’s aware of the importance of pitch strength to avoid easy contact. On the two-seamer, he commented, “It’s not a pitch I’ll use heavily in one game.
It’s about situational use, and I’ll continue discussing it with the staff and catcher.”
Fastball Trending Up
His fastball was a brighter spot. “The velocity has been there for the last three games, which boosts my confidence in command,” Sasaki said. He aims to maintain this balance of velocity and precision, ensuring that even when batters make contact, it’s weaker.
The Mental Side of the Game
Sasaki addressed the mental aspect of pitching, especially during a rocky spring. “Results involve a hitter too, so worrying too much isn’t helpful,” he explained.
“It’s more about the pitch quality and the counts I get into.” He’s focused on eliminating “no-chance walks” and maintaining control.
As the season approaches, Sasaki feels more stable than last year, recognizing progress while acknowledging there’s more to refine. His grounded approach is all about growth and focusing on the hitter in front of him.