Dodgers Manager roberts Apologizes for High Expectations of Rookie Pitcher Sasaki
LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has publicly acknowledged teh team’s initial expectations for rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki were too ambitious, leading to an apology. The admission comes as Sasaki continues to develop in the minor leagues, facing challenges adjusting to Major League Baseball after arriving from Japan at age 23.
Sasaki’s transition has proven more challenging than anticipated, differing from the paths of established Japanese pitchers like Shohei Yamamoto and Kenta Maeda who had extensive MLB experience or polished careers in Japan prior to joining the league. Roberts emphasized Sasaki is still a developing prospect, not a finished product, and requires patience. Sasaki himself reportedly understood the challenges, stating he believed two years in the United States were more valuable than immediate financial gain, and didn’t expect immediate success.
A key concern highlighted by Roberts is Sasaki’s reliance on only two pitches – a fastball thrown 50.2% of the time and a split-finger fastball at 32.9% – which allows hitters to anticipate his offerings. While his split-finger is effective, batters can focus on timing the fastball. “We have to make fastballs more difficult to hit,” Roberts stated. “I don’t know if that’s just a matter of pitch speed, but having three or four perfected pitches would help.”
currently,Sasaki is working on developing a slider,two-seam fastball,and cut fastball in the minors. Despite a slight dip in pitch speed, the Dodgers remain optimistic about sasaki’s long-term potential, recognizing his age (23) and the need for continued advancement. The team is committed to providing him the time and resources necessary to refine his arsenal and become a more versatile and effective pitcher.
