Roki Sasaki Wants to Make MLB, Dodgers Debut in Japan vs Cubs
Los Angeles Dodgers rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki already has a lofty goal for the 2025 season. After just two days at spring training, the Dodgers revealed there is a possibility Sasaki would start Game 2 of the Japan Series.
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The 23-year-old has already started preparing to make his debut in Japan, where his baseball journey first started (talk about a homecoming).
“Obviously the opportunity to open a major-league season in Japan itself is rare,” he said, via USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. “So being able to do that as a rookie is even more special. So right now I’m just focused on preparing for that.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he doesn’t want to guarantee Sasaki will start in Tokyo, but the fact that the idea has been mentioned is a testament to the organization’s belief in the international phenom.
“Everything’s on the table, but I think it’s fair to say it would be to pitch in the second game of the season,” Roberts said. “But if it doesn’t line up, then it doesn’t line up. … We want to make sure he’s in a good position and feels good when he pitches. I don’t want to put him in a box right now.”
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Though Sasaki had never thrown a single pitch in MLB, teams had competed for the pitcher’s talent in his unique free agency process. Now that the Sasaki sweepstakes are over, reality has run its course and the rookie will have to prove himself in MLB.
The Japanese fireballer is poised to be one of the best pitchers in baseball, but like any rookie, Sasaki revealed he was jittery joining the defending champions at Camelback Ranch.
“Inside, I’m really nervous,” Sasaki said of being in camp with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers have had a prominent history with young, international pitchers. Fernando Valenzuela’s impact and influence on the game of baseball was unforgettable. The Dodgers hope Sasaki’s story will unfold into an illustrious career in Dodger blue.
A big step toward fulfilling those dreams would be Sasaki starting in Japan when L.A. opens their title defense in Tokyo.
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Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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