The world was watching as pitcher Roki Sasaki took the mound for the Dodgers.
Sasaki, the top prospect in baseball, had dominated during his time in Japan. He posted a stellar 2.10 ERA and a 0.894 WHIP over his 394.2 NPB innings, striking out 505 batters with just 88 walks. His major league debut, set in his home country, was eagerly anticipated.
Sasaki announced his presence early, reaching 100 mph during the first inning. He set down the first three batters he faced on 11 pitches, setting down countryman Seiya Suzuki for his first career strikeout.
Trouble started in the second inning. Sasaki issued a pair of walks but escaped unscathed as outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong lined into a double play to short, with first baseman Michael Busch doubled off second.
Sasaki’s command deserted him in the third inning. Second baseman Jon Berti had a one-out infield single to third. From that point, Sasaki could not find the zone, his splitter sailing wide and the fastball low. He walked three consecutive batters, forcing in a run. Sasaki escaped further damage by striking out Busch and third baseman Matt Shaw, using his fastball and slider to find the zone once again.
That disastrous third inning was the end for Sasaki. He finished the day having allowed a run on one hit and five walks, striking out three. Sasaki only threw 25 strikes out of his 56 pitches, with only three first-pitch strikes to 14 batters faced.
There is an adjustment period for NPB pitchers when they first come stateside. MLB balls are a bit bigger while NPB balls have smaller laces. Major league balls are not as tacky as in NPB. There is also a historic deadball era in Japan, furthering that adjustment. It takes time to get used to those differences.
Such may be the case with Sasaki. He had to adjust on Wednesday, forgoing a splitter that may be the best pitch in the world due to command issues. His ability to use his fastball and slider to get those needed strikeouts is a good sign going forward. His debut can be chalked up as a learning experience.
Roki Sasaki did not have the dominant debut that may have been expected. However, his ability to adjust during a rough third inning is a great sign for the future.
