With the Dodgers, Roki Sasaki is under pressure before making his first start against the Cubs on Wednesday.
The world of professional baseball is filled with high stakes, with every pitch, every game, and every at-bat having the potential to define the future of a player’s career. Few players face as much pressure as Roki Sasaki, the young Japanese pitcher who is set to make his first start for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs. Known for his remarkable talent and electric fastball, Sasaki enters this game with expectations that are almost impossibly high. The burden of living up to these expectations, particularly in a new league with a new team, is a daunting challenge that no player takes lightly.
Background: The Rising Star
Roki Sasaki’s rise to fame in the world of baseball has been meteoric. A product of the Chiba Lotte Marines, Sasaki was the first overall pick in the 2019 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) draft, and it didn’t take long for him to establish himself as one of the most promising pitchers in Japan. His fastball, which can touch triple digits, and his devastating splitter make him a rare talent in any league. In fact, Sasaki is often compared to some of the most dominant pitchers in recent memory, with many baseball analysts in Japan and internationally heralding him as a generational talent.
His success in the NPB quickly garnered the attention of Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts, and by 2023, he was a highly coveted international prospect. Sasaki’s decision to come to the United States and join an MLB team was inevitable, with many fans and experts alike speculating about where he might land. The Dodgers, known for their ability to scout and develop international talent, were an obvious destination for Sasaki.
The Move to the Dodgers
When Sasaki signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, it was a move that would change the trajectory of his career. The Dodgers are one of the most storied franchises in MLB history, with a reputation for success, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their pitching staff has long been one of the most formidable in the league, and the team is known for developing pitchers into perennial All-Stars. Joining such a franchise carries its own set of expectations and pressures.
For Sasaki, this transition to MLB brings with it a significant change in competition level. The NPB and MLB are two very different leagues, and while Sasaki’s success in Japan has been undeniable, MLB hitters present a unique challenge. The speed of the game, the depth of the lineups, and the overall competition in MLB are unmatched anywhere else in the world. The question on many minds as Sasaki prepares for his first start is whether he will be able to carry his dominant NPB form over to the more challenging landscape of MLB.
As Sasaki’s first start draws near, the anticipation is palpable. His performance in that game will be heavily scrutinized, as many fans, analysts, and scouts are eager to see how he fares in a high-pressure environment. Given the success that other Japanese pitchers have had in MLB in recent years, such as Shohei Ohtani and Yu Darvish, the bar for Sasaki has been set extremely high. The eyes of the baseball world will be on him as he steps onto the mound at Dodger Stadium.
The Cubs: A Tough First Opponent
Sasaki’s first start with the Dodgers will come against the Chicago Cubs, a team that has seen its share of highs and lows in recent years. While the Cubs are not currently one of the elite teams in the National League, they are still a formidable opponent, and their lineup is full of dangerous hitters. Players like Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki can make life difficult for any pitcher, particularly one who is making his debut.
The Cubs’ offense may not have the same star power as some of the other top teams in the league, but it is deep and capable of putting up runs in bunches. This presents an immediate challenge for Sasaki, who will have to adjust to facing MLB-caliber hitters for the first time in a live-game setting. It’s one thing to pitch in a controlled environment during spring training, but it’s a whole different ballgame when the stakes are real, the crowd is roaring, and the opponent is trying to beat you with every swing.
For Sasaki, managing the pressure of his debut will be just as important as the technical aspects of his pitching. The mental and emotional challenges of pitching in MLB, especially in front of a packed Dodger Stadium crowd, can be overwhelming. The Cubs will no doubt try to take advantage of any nerves or inexperience that Sasaki might show early on, making it crucial for the young pitcher to stay composed and trust in his abilities.
The Weight of Expectations
Perhaps the most significant pressure Sasaki faces before making his first start is the immense weight of expectations. As one of the most hyped international prospects in recent years, Sasaki has garnered a great deal of attention from both the media and fans. The Dodgers, a team with championship aspirations, are counting on him to live up to his billing and contribute immediately. The expectations are not just about pitching well in one game—they are about living up to the potential of becoming the next great MLB pitcher.
Sasaki’s talent is undeniable, but the pressure that comes with that talent can be overwhelming. MLB has a long history of highly-touted prospects who have struggled to meet expectations, particularly those coming from international leagues. While Sasaki’s skill set is elite, there is always the uncertainty of how a player will adjust to a new environment, a new league, and a new level of competition. In this way, his first start is not just about a single game; it’s about setting the tone for his entire MLB career.
The Dodgers, despite their status as a powerhouse franchise, are not immune to the pressures that come with high expectations. The team is expected to contend for a World Series title every year, and Sasaki is now part of that equation. With pitchers like Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urías anchoring the rotation, Sasaki is not expected to carry the team on his own—but the hope is that he will emerge as a key contributor who can help push the Dodgers over the top in their quest for another championship. The weight of this expectation will certainly be felt by Sasaki as he takes the mound for the first time in a Dodgers uniform.
Mental Preparation: Staying Focused
One of the most important aspects of Sasaki’s preparation for his first start will be his mental game. The Dodgers have a robust support system in place, with veteran pitchers like Kershaw offering guidance and advice to the young Japanese star. The ability to stay calm and focused, especially during high-pressure moments, will be key to Sasaki’s success. While his talent can carry him a long way, it is his ability to handle the psychological challenges of pitching in MLB that will ultimately determine his future in the league.
The Dodgers have a reputation for creating a supportive environment for their pitchers, and Sasaki will benefit from this as he navigates his transition to MLB. The team’s pitching coaches and veterans will likely help him adjust to the nuances of pitching in the majors, from the demands of pitching every five days to the mental toughness required to stay sharp over a 162-game season.
Sasaki will need to be prepared for the inevitable bumps in the road. It’s likely that he will have rough outings, moments where his pitches aren’t as sharp, or times when he faces a hitter who simply gets the best of him. How he bounces back from those challenges, both mentally and physically, will be crucial. In many ways, Sasaki’s first start is less about perfection and more about proving that he can handle adversity and stay focused on the bigger picture.
A New Chapter in Sasaki’s Journey
As Roki Sasaki prepares for his first start with the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs, the pressure on him is immense. From the weight of expectations to the challenge of adjusting to a new league, Sasaki is facing a monumental task. However, his talent is undeniable, and if there’s one thing that has been clear throughout his career, it’s that he has the potential to thrive under pressure.
The Dodgers’ faith in Sasaki is well-founded, and while his debut will be scrutinized heavily, it is just the beginning of what could be an incredible journey in MLB. Whether he dominates from the start or faces growing pains along the way, Sasaki’s future remains bright. The world of baseball will be watching closely as he takes the mound for the first time in a Dodgers uniform, eager to see whether the next great Japanese pitcher is ready to take MLB by storm.