Roki Sasaki’s Splitter Reminiscent of Hideo Nomo’s, Says Dodgers All-Star Pitcher
The Los Angeles Dodgers have had an offseason to remember.
With all the new talent walking through the doors and into spring training, one name in particular has been among the most anticipated Dodgers newcomers: Roki Sasaki.
The 23-year-old phenom who has wowed MLB scouts for years had an unprecedented arrival to MLB full of unspecified homework assignments, drama, and top-secret meetings before finally signing with Los Angeles.
Still yet to pitch in MLB, Sasaki has dazzled onlookers so far at Camelback Ranch and is not just getting high praise from scouts, but players and coaches have taken notice to the right-hander’s skillset.
Another pitcher who has been newly signed to the Dodgers is former Texas Rangers closer Kirby Yates.
Yates is a Dodger for many reasons, but the biggest one is his desire to win.
A two-time All-Star in his own right, the 37-year-old had a career-low 1.17 ERA over 61.2 innings, throwing 85 strikeouts to only 28 walks. It’s safe to say that when he offers a compliment to a young pitcher, especially a comparison to one of the franchise’s most storied arms, it holds a different type of gravity in the clubhouse.
While talking to Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain, Yates said that he saw Hideo Nomo in Sasaki’s splitter.
“It’s nasty,” said Yates of Sasaki’s signature splitter. “Hideo Nomo helped me a little bit in San Diego when I was there, and watching his and seeing what Nomo’s was, it looks a lot like that in my opinion. It’s sick.”
With this incredibly high praise, Sasaki hopes to pick up right where he left off in Nippon Professional Baseball.
His four NPB seasons consisted of a 29-15 record with a 2.10 ERA. His 505 strikeouts to only 88 walks over 394.2 innings are a major reason why Dodgers fans can’t wait to see him in action.
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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