Roki Sasaki, the 25-year-old ace of the Los Angeles Dodgers, made a dazzling arrival in Major League Baseball on March 19, 2025, facing off against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. In this highly anticipated debut, Sasaki etched his name into history, pitching three innings, allowing only one hit and striking out his first batter in the big leagues.
With a fastball that reached an eye-popping 99.5 mph (approximately 160.1 km/h), Sasaki quickly demonstrated why he has been dubbed a rising star in international baseball. His impressive velocity caught the attention of fans and scouts alike as he opened the game by throwing three consecutive pitches over 100 mph. “The straight ball was the best it has been since the start of training camp. I need to work on my command, but more than anything, I was thrilled to feel that sensation again in the first inning,” Sasaki noted after the game, reflecting his relief and excitement.
The sellout crowd at the Tokyo Dome was electrified as Sasaki stepped onto the mound. The moment was especially poignant, as he wore a patch on his left sleeve commemorating his major league debut. Sasaki’s entrance music, “Konya Kono Mama” by Aimyon—a nostalgic tune from his days with the Chiba Lotte Marines—added to the atmosphere of the evening.
Sasaki’s first inning was a masterclass. He retired the first three batters he faced and ended the inning by striking out Seiya Suzuki, laying down a fastball at 99.3 mph (about 159.8 km/h). The excitement built as fans erupted in joy, celebrating the first strikeout in his major league career, accomplished against a fellow Japanese athlete. Sasaki left the mound, heels clicking, just as the applause thundered around him.
However, the following two innings were not without their challenges. In the second inning, Sasaki issued two walks, struggling with control after the initial high to begin his career. In the third inning, he allowed his first major league hit—an infield single—and then, under pressure with bases loaded, gave up a walk leading to his first earned run. Despite this setback, Sasaki’s resolve prevailed as he managed to strike out the Cubs' lineup's heavy hitters, including back-to-back strikeouts of veteran sluggers Bush and Shaw, allowing him to leave the game with dignity.
In total, Sasaki threw 56 pitches, finishing with a commendable performance that left much to be proud of. Although he faced adversity in the two middle innings, Sasaki concluded the game by showing determination and poise, embracing the critiques as learning opportunities. “The real challenge will be adapting how my fastball and forkball do against major league hitters. There will be issues that arise; if I can address those sooner rather than later, it will serve me well,” he said, setting the tone for his future outings.
After being relieved, Sasaki watched as his teammates stepped up to maintain the lead. The Dodgers' bullpen, while challenged with some difficulty, managed to secure the win against the Cubs, showcasing the depth of talent within the team. The 6-foot-2 pitcher Garcia and the right-hander Dryer each allowed a run, but the formidable 100 kg (220 lb) reliever, Knack, secured the first win of the season with two innings of dominance—allowing just one hit and no runs.
Sasaki's transition to Major League Baseball came after a successful stint with the Chiba Lotte Marines, where he had honed his craft before utilizing the posting system to make the jump to the United States. His contract, valued at approximately $6.5 million (about 975 million yen), reflects the faith the Dodgers organization has in his potential.
“To become the world’s greatest pitcher” is what drives Sasaki, who chose to move to the U.S. to be a part of the cutting-edge training system available there.
This milestone moment coincided with another personal landmark, as Sasaki also announced his marriage to a non-celebrity woman during the training camp. “I was able to pitch in such a wonderful atmosphere that the fans created here in Japan. I am grateful for the warm welcome,” he beamed, showcasing his heartfelt appreciation for the local support.
Sasaki’s debut might have been a mixture of triumph and trial, but it is clear that he has the potential to make waves in the MLB. As fans eagerly anticipate his next performance, one cannot help but wonder what modifications he will make to improve his command and polish his skills amidst the stardom of Major League Baseball. The road ahead is promising, with the promise of greatness just within reach for Roki Sasaki.
