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Roki Sasaki arrived in Los Angeles with the hype of a generational talent. The 23-year-old pitcher from Japan was billed as the next superstar, armed with a blistering fastball and precision control.
But just a few months into his MLB career with the Dodgers, the dream start has taken a sharp detour. Sasaki has faltered on the mound, with velocity dips, control issues, and an inability to go deep into games, prompting growing concern both inside the clubhouse and across the league.
From dominance to damage control
In a recent outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sasaki surrendered five runs in just over four innings. More troubling than the scoreboard? He failed to record a single strikeout-an unthinkable stat for someone once dubbed "the Monster of the Reiwa Era." MLB analyst Ben Verlander summed up the sentiment on his Flippin' Bats podcast: "It's tough to watch him... I worry about him mentally." Verlander emphasized Sasaki's declining confidence, citing frequent walks and a noticeable drop in velocity as major red flags.
While Sasaki once touched triple digits with ease, he's now sitting in the mid-90s. Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior acknowledged the shift, stating, "Clearly, the fastball is not going to carry through the zone at 93 very effectively." Without elite speed, command becomes crucial, and that's where Sasaki is struggling most.
The pressure of Los Angeles and questions about his readiness
The Dodgers originally intended to ease Sasaki into the rotation. But injuries to key arms forced him into a bigger role sooner than expected. That accelerated timeline may be contributing to his issues. Statistically, things look grim: Sasaki is among just two MLB starters with a strikeout rate below 10% and a ball rate above 40%. It's an alarming trend that suggests he's still adjusting, not just physically, but mentally, to the demands of American baseball.
Some insiders have floated the idea of sending Sasaki to the minors to regain form and confidence. Even Sasaki, speaking through an interpreter, itted uncertainty: "I'm not quite exactly sure and can't really state exactly the single reason [why]."
Still time, but the clock is ticking
Despite the slump, no one is writing Sasaki off yet. The Dodgers remain hopeful that with adjustments and , the young ace can find his rhythm. The talent is undeniable. Now it's a matter of whether he can adapt-before the pressure of L.A. consumes him completely.