Roki Sasaki’s Fastball Falters: A Deep Dive into the Dodgers Pitcher’s Struggles
A clear challenge has emerged for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki. In his recent start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 9th (May 10th, Japan time), Sasaki surrendered five hits and five runs in just four innings. Despite receiving ample run support, he struggled to find the form that made him a dominant force in Japanese baseball. What’s behind Sasaki’s current difficulties?
The Numbers Don’t Lie: A Dip in Velocity
- total Pitches: 61
- Missed Swings: Only 4
- Maximum Fastball Speed: 97.5 mph (156.9 km/h)
- Average Fastball Speed: 94.8 mph (152.5 km/h)
- Previous Average Fastball Speed: 96.1 mph (154.6 km/h)
Sasaki’s fastball, once his signature weapon, has seen a noticeable decrease in velocity. during the game against the Diamondbacks, his average fastball speed dipped to 94.8 mph, a decline from his established average of 96.1 mph. This lack of power contributed to him being hit hard, including two hits off fastballs in the first inning.
In 2023, while pitching for the Lotte Marines in Japan, Sasaki recorded a fastball at 165 km/h (102.5 mph), the fastest ever by a Japanese professional baseball player.
Manager’s Perspective: Control Over Velocity
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the situation in a post-game interview. While he acknowledged the drop in pitch speed, he emphasized the importance of control. there are variations in pitch speed. There are completely different things at 98 miles (approx. 157.7 km) and 94 miles (approx. 151.3 km) were you don’t have control.
Roberts stressed that pitchers throwing in the mid-90s must possess exceptional command. If you don’t have speed, you need to have the control that comes with it.
The implication is that Sasaki’s control has not been sharp enough to compensate for the reduced velocity.
Past Context: Sasaki’s Dominance in Japan
Prior to his move to MLB, Sasaki was a dominant force in Japan’s professional league. His average fastball speeds over the past three years were consistently remarkable: 158.4 km/h, 159.1 km/h, and 156.0 km/h. These figures consistently placed him among the fastest pitchers in the league. Even with the recent dip, his average fastball speed of 96.0 mph still ranks in the top 21% of MLB pitchers, according to Baseball Savant.
The “Whiff%” Problem: Lack of missed Swings
Despite the velocity, Sasaki’s fastball has not been generating the desired results in terms of missed swings. In the game against the Diamondbacks, he recorded zero misses with his fastball. in his 299 pitches thrown in the majors, batters have swung 148 times but missed only 10. His “Whiff%” (percentage of swings that result in a miss) is a mere 10.1%, placing him at the bottom of the league among pitchers with 200 or more pitches.
A high Whiff% is crucial for a pitcher’s success, as it indicates their ability to deceive hitters and generate strikeouts. Pitchers with low Whiff% often rely more on inducing weak contact and are more susceptible to hits.
Possible Explanations: spin Rate and Pre-Transfer Concerns
One potential factor contributing to Sasaki’s struggles is his spin rate. While it aligns with the rotating shaft, his average of 2080 spins per minute is not particularly high, especially considering his velocity. High-speed balls typically generate more misses when coupled with a high spin rate. moreover, during the off-season, Sasaki’s representatives reportedly requested that interested MLB teams demonstrate why the speed of his fastball dropped last season and explain his plans to ensure that this does not happen again.
This suggests that the velocity issue predates his move to the majors and may not have been fully resolved.
The Road Ahead: Can Sasaki Reclaim His Dominance?
The question remains: can Roki Sasaki rediscover the power and effectiveness of his fastball and showcase his full potential in front of MLB fans? The Dodgers will undoubtedly be working to address the underlying issues and help him regain his status as one of baseball’s most exciting young pitchers.
FAQ: Roki sasaki’s fastball Issues
- Why is Roki Sasaki’s fastball velocity down?
- Possible reasons include mechanical issues, fatigue, or an intentional effort to improve control.
- What is Sasaki’s average fastball velocity now?
- Around 94.8 mph in his recent starts, down from his previous average of 96.1 mph.
- Is Sasaki’s fastball still considered fast?
- Yes, even at 96.0 mph, it’s in the top 21% of MLB pitchers.
- What is “Whiff%” and why is it important?
- It’s the percentage of swings that result in a miss. A high Whiff% indicates a pitcher’s ability to generate strikeouts.
- What are the Dodgers doing to help Sasaki?
- The team is likely working on his mechanics, pitch selection, and overall strategy to help him regain his form.
