Dodgers Pitcher Struggles to Hold Back Tears Following…read more.
Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, 23, made his Major League Baseball debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 19, 2025, during the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs. Despite displaying impressive velocity, reaching speeds of 101 mph, Sasaki had difficulty with control, issuing five walks in three innings while allowing one run before being taken out of the game.
His struggles continued in his second start on March 29 against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium. Sasaki lasted just 1.2 innings, giving up two earned runs on three hits and four walks across 61 pitches. After being pulled from the game, he was visibly emotional in the dugout—a moment widely shared in Japanese media.
Despite his tough start, the Dodgers remain confident in Sasaki’s abilities, acknowledging that adjusting from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to MLB takes time. Sasaki, who made history as the youngest pitcher to throw a perfect game in NPB, is determined to improve and contribute to the team.
Fans have rallied behind him, recognizing the pressures of transitioning to a new league. With the Dodgers off to a strong 5-0 start this season, the team hopes to give Sasaki the support he needs to develop and find success in the majors.
