For the first 17 starts of Roki Sasaki’s career in the majors with the Los Angeles Dodgers, much of it has felt like watching a horror movie.
Although Sasaki has showcased his magical splitter that can be argued as one of the nastiest pitches in the sport, that’s been about it. Most outings see the youngster find himself in trouble by walking too many hitters, melting down from the pressure, and giving up an avalanche of runs when things get too difficult.
Before Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell both found themselves back on the injured reserve, a strong contingent of Dodgers fans online were asking for Sasaki to either get sent down to the minors or be implemented back into the bullpen, where he thrived during the most recent playoffs.
Dave Roberts and the rest of the L.A. front office ignored the fan outcry, however, doubling and tripling down on Sasaki’s future as a starting pitcher for the Dodgers.
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On Sunday, Sasaki showcased why the team has such a deep belief in him, as the 24-year-old had the best outing of his MLB career, going seven innings, allowing a single run, walking none, and striking out eight.
It was the kind of performance that showed Sasaki’s potential, making Los Angeles Angels players look like fools trying to hit his breaking pitches. While his fastball still wasn’t near its best, the command was there, forcing the opposing players to respect it enough that his slider and splitter could knock them out.
While the Dodgers expect both Glasnow and Snell back for the postseason, Sasaki’s development might be crucial if L.A. wants to become the first-ever National League franchise to three-peat as World Series champions.
Two years ago, there was an actual debate on whether Sasaki or Paul Skenes had the higher ceiling as a prospect.
And while Skenes has not only lapped Sasaki but embarrassed him with how much he’s evolved, the Dodgers still see that shining ace that was unhittable in Japan for the Chiba Lotte Marines.
Sasaki believes he can turn into the best pitcher in the world.
The Dodgers seem to believe that too, and if Sunday was any indication, this Sasaki narrative might be turning from a horror film into a comeback story.
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