LOS ANGELES, CA - On March 18, 2025, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki made his final adjustments at the Tokyo Dome, getting ready for his highly anticipated major league debut. The 23-year-old athlete is set to make his first career start during the second game of the opening series against the Chicago Cubs, scheduled for March 19.
During pre-game practice, Sasaki engaged with his teammates, showcasing his skills through catch from about 20 meters and running several dashes along the outfield fence. His preparation might be seen as routine, but for Sasaki, it was anything but ordinary. He’s stepping onto the international stage, possibly becoming one of the most notable Japanese pitchers to make his mark in Major League Baseball.
His performance leading up to the debut has been remarkable. Sasaki pitched two scoreless innings across the spring training games before the season opener, managing to strike the radar gun at 99.3 miles per hour (approximately 159.8 kilometers per hour) with his fastball. "There are not many opportunities to pitch in Japan. I want to pitch savoring every moment," he stated during his press conference on March 16.
While the Dodgers and Sasaki train for the new season, the personal lives of the players are also under public scrutiny. Notably, fellow teammate Shohei Ohtani, who recently tied the knot with Makiko Tanaka, has drawn attention alongside Sasaki's newfound marriage, revealed just weeks before the season began.
On March 17, the Dodgers Wives Association updated their Instagram with a vibrant photo showcasing players' wives dressed up and enjoying their time in Japan. It sparked curiosity among fans and observers who questioned why Sasaki’s wife was absent from the gathering. Speculation arose whether Kumiko, Sasaki’s wife, would be joining her husband for his major league debut.
Much like Ohtani's marriage announcement during the Arizona camp, which they showcased publicly during the opening series held earlier, Sasaki's marital status started to circulate post his impressive performances. His wife remains relatively unknown to the public, described as "a regular person" by insiders. Yet, without her presence at public events, some media outlets are speculating on the timeline of her introduction to the footage-heavy life of the Dodgers franchise.
Analysts have noted the importance of public appearances for player spouses and their integration within the organization. "If she does not continue to attend the wives’ events, the first official appearance may be during the All-Star Game's red carpet event, assuming Sasaki's stellar performances earn him selection," said one sports reporter knowledgeable about MLB etquettes.
On March 16, prior to the Wives' event, many noted Sasaki's absence from another photo where he could be seen with his teammates and friends at the iconic Tokyo Tower. This raised concerns among fans and reporters alike about how well he is adapting to the new setting and responsibilities of being part of major league dynamics.
Speculating if he could follow Ohtani's legacy on the field and to what extent he could replicate Ohtani's success as he took the mound, analysts are eager to see how fans and critics will react to Sasaki once he throws his first pitch.
Meanwhile, Dodgers exclusive cameraman John SooHoo has been filling social media with shots reflecting what life is like behind the scenes with the franchise. His post on March 17 saw him personifying the event captivatingly, as team management and Ohtani were spotted during group dinners, displaying candid moments never seen before with his mixture of sportsmanship and personal engagement.
The upcoming series against the Cubs will reveal not only Sasaki's skills but his ability to handle the media frenzy and fan expectations surrounding his debut. The blend of personal life stories, performances on the field, and the spotlight of being one of Japan’s finest prospects significantly amplifies the upcoming days for Sasaki.
Fans, analysts, and historians will keep their eyes peeled observing how Sasaki balances the promising future as one of baseball's finest arms with the weight of expectations both on and off the field. With excitement mounting, it looks like the season will be as fascinating for Sasaki as it is for his devoted supporters worldwide.
