Bad habits came out, Sasaki was full of complaints despite four scoreless innings, and Yamamoto and Tokyo Series one-two punch were confirmed

Mar 12, 2025

LA Dodgers' Roki Sasaki is starting against the Cleveland Guardians on the 12th (Korea time) and throwing the ball in a dynamic form. AP Yonhap News

LA Dodgers Rocky starts against the Cleveland Guardians at Camelback Ranch on the 12th (Korea time) and pitches in the top of the second inning. AP Yonhap News

Los Angeles Dodgers Rocky Sasaki will stand on the mound at Tokyo Dome. Yamamoto Yoshinobu and Sasaki have been confirmed as starting pitchers for the opening two consecutive games of the Tokyo Series.

Shortly after the Los Angeles Dodgers finished an exhibition game against the Cleveland Guardians at Glendale Camelback Ranch in Arizona on the 12th (Korea time), USA Today reporter Bob Nightingale said 'Yamamoto Yoshinobu was officially selected for Game 1 and Sasaki Rocky for Game 2 in the Tokyo Series.'"

Sasaki started the exhibition game against Cleveland on the same day, giving up one hit and two walks in four innings and blocking him from losing a point.

The total number of pitches was 41, with a maximum speed of 97.4 miles (156.8 kilometers) and an average of 96.3 miles. The main weapon, the splitter, used 11 and mixed 3 sliders. The splitter was formed at a maximum speed of 86.1 miles and an average of 84.8 miles, and the swing and miss rate was 3 out of 4, reaching 75%.

Sasaki sprays the ball vigorously in an exhibition game against Cleveland. AFP Yonhap News

Sasaki was the second pitcher in the game against the Cincinnati Reds, his first exhibition game on the 5th, and pitched three innings of two hits, one walk, and five strikeouts. At that time, the maximum fastball speed was 99.3 miles and an average of 98 miles. In two exhibition games, he allowed three hits, three walks and seven strikeouts in seven innings. In other words, he has perfectly prepared for the Tokyo Series.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the starting pitcher for the opening two consecutive games against the Chicago Cubs, which will be held at Tokyo Dome in Japan on March 18-19 immediately after the opening of the spring training "It is reasonable for Yamamoto to play in the opening game, and I hope Sasaki will take charge of the second game." he said. The starting pitcher of the Tokyo Series will be able to be put forward as envisioned.

On this day, Sasaki showed off her strong ball power from the start. At the top of the first inning, he lightly blocked it with a three-and-out strikeout. After catching the leadoff left-handed hitter Daniel Schniman on a ground ball to the first base with a heavy 96.6-mile fastball, Tyler Freeman on a fly ball to center field and Kyle Manzardo on a ground ball to second base, respectively.

In the second inning with a 6-0 lead, Sasaki allowed an 84.1-mile splitter to the lead Gabriel Arias and a missed hit to the right, but he struck out Will Brennan with an 84.3-mile splitter that fell wide outside and ended the inning with a fly and a ground ball, respectively.

With the gap widening to 8-0, Sasaki gave up a sharp line drive to Milan Tolentino after one out in the third inning, but it was in front of center fielder Andy Parz. He then walked Schneeman with a full count and struck out Freeman with an 85.9-mile splitter penetrating the low strike zone.

Sasaki, who allowed a walk to leading Manzardo in the fourth inning with a 9-0 lead, then handled Arias with a fly to right field, caught Brennan with a double play to first baseman and finished the inning neatly.

Sasaki sends a sign to fielders during pitching in the fourth inning. AP Yonhap News

However, Sasaki expressed dissatisfaction with his pitch after the game. He "There are a few things that haven't been done as I wanted today. The previous bad habits came out. Still, it's good to be able to come out and solve it on time before the opening." There are some ways I use my lower body, but there was a discrepancy between what I was trying to do and what actually appeared", he explained.

In response, MLB.com said 'A good example of why many officials in the Major League think highly of Sasaki's potential'Sasaki has a stub where a flashy splitter combines a 100-mile fastball. He also interpreted that he was mentally good and hoping to get better.

Yamamoto, who started the opening game, marked 15 hits, 3 walks, 14 strikeouts, and an ERA of 4.15 in 13 innings in four spring training appearances. The fastball speed increased to a maximum of 97 miles, and continued to pitch impeccably.