Sasaki’s First Major League Win Amid Challenging Conditions
ATLANTA – May 4, 2025 – After a rain-drenched night, Roki Sasaki finally took the mound at Truist Park, launching his major league career with his first win in a 10-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves. The Dodgers rookie’s first pitch was delayed until 10:33 p.m., but he made an impact, leaving the field at 1:26 a.m. local time with a sense of relief.
Sasaki, known for his blazing fastball that gained him international fame, faced unique challenges on the mound. Entering the game, he ranked last among pitchers who faced over 50 batters in inducing swings and misses with his four-seam fastball, clocking in at only 8.9 percent. On Saturday, out of 53 fastballs thrown, the Braves swung and missed five times, marking a seasonal high for Sasaki.
"My fastball quality isn’t exactly where I want it," Sasaki explained through an interpreter. The Japanese right-hander threw five innings, allowed three runs, walked two, and struck out four, ending the game with an ERA of 3.86 over seven starts.
Despite his struggles with fastball effectiveness, pitching coach Mark Prior noted Sasaki has demonstrated potential. The Dodgers have opted to focus on a manageable velocity, averaging around 94.8 mph, to improve command while emphasizing the importance of his splitter and slider.
Sasaki’s transition to the major leagues continues to be a learning curve. However, manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in his budding talent. "He’s starting to be that guy we can count on," Roberts stated, highlighting the team’s commitment to Sasaki’s growth.
Celebrated by teammates with a chaotic post-game shower of drinks, Sasaki’s inaugural win marks a promising start to what the Dodgers hope will be a successful career.
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