The Los Angeles Dodgers always seem to find different ways to win. Sometimes they do it with their bats and sometimes with their pitching, but this well-rounded team is again destined for October success.
One of the big signings the Dodgers made in the offseason was the acquisition of Roki Sasaki from Japan. He was the No. 1 prospect in baseball coming into the season, and he is expected to be an ace during his big league career. However, the beginning of his MLB career has not been ideal. He has struggled with command in all three starts and has not pitched more than 4.0 innings in a game.
However, Sasaki’s mate, Enrique “Kiké” Hernández, has a message for Dodgers fans.
Enrique Hernández Shows Support for Roki Sasaki
We have often seen that when a player comes over from Japan, there is a ton of hype around them, and rightfully so. Japanese players have had a proven success rate in MLB, and they can be franchise changers to a big league team.
Sasaki was not different, as he was among the most sought-after pitchers this past off-season. His track record in Japan speaks for itself, and his dominance in the World Baseball Classic means there is another level Sasaki can get to.
Sasaki has pitched 8.2 innings in three starts, with 11 walks and nine strikeouts. His ERA is 4.15. His shaky starts upset Dodgers fans, and many people are questioning if he should be in the minor leagues. Yet, Hernández came to the defense of his new teammates and knows there is no reason to panic.
According to Dodgers Nation, Hernández told reporters, “Everything is under a microscope right now, because of all the hype, but if it was any other random name who struggled through their first two starts, nobody would be making a big deal out of it.”
Like most defending World Series champions, the Dodgers have a target on their back this season. They are the favorites to repeat as World Champions and have a strong roster that stacks up with anyone. The improved teams in the NL West make this year’s Dodgers’ path more difficult. The Giants and Padres are off to hot starts and look like legitimate playoff teams.
Outside of their opponents, the Dodgers have injury issues they need to figure out. Blake Snell and Freddie Freeman are already on the IL, which is never a good sign this early in the season. Still, the Dodgers have Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernández, and Shohei Ohtani leading the way.
Ohtani is expected to return to the mound at some point this season to increase his already immense value. While the Dodgers have a strong roster with plenty of depth, they will need players like Sasaki to reach their potential to repeat as champions.
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