Roki Sasaki Strikes Out Five and Hits 99 MPH in Dominant Dodgers Spring Training Debut

Spring training is typically a time for teams to experiment, evaluate young talent, and prepare for the long grind of the regular season. For the Los Angeles Dodgers, the arrival of Roki Sasaki—a pitcher many baseball observers have been eagerly awaiting—added an extra layer of excitement to the 2025 spring training. Sasaki, the 22-year-old Japanese phenom, made his spring training debut with the Dodgers, and the performance was nothing short of spectacular. With a fastball that reached 99 mph, an arsenal of devastating secondary pitches, and an undeniable presence on the mound, Sasaki dominated hitters and generated rave reviews from coaches, teammates, and analysts alike.

In this article, we break down Sasaki’s impressive spring training debut, his performance on the mound, and the factors that suggest he could be the next big star in Major League Baseball.

A Quick Overview of Roki Sasaki

Before delving into the details of Sasaki’s debut, it’s important to understand just how high the expectations are surrounding this young pitcher. Sasaki became a sensation in Japan with his historic performances in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). His most iconic achievement came in 2022 when he threw a perfect game against the Orix Buffaloes, a feat that caught the attention of baseball fans worldwide. Sasaki’s combination of velocity, control, and an absolutely devastating splitter made him one of the most highly sought-after international pitching prospects.

In the 2025 offseason, Sasaki made the decision to cross the Pacific Ocean and join the Los Angeles Dodgers, an organization renowned for developing pitchers and its focus on innovation. The Dodgers’ history of success in nurturing pitchers—coupled with Sasaki’s already impressive resume—meant that expectations for his MLB transition were high.

Given his raw talent, Sasaki’s debut was one of the most anticipated events of the spring training schedule. And when he finally took the mound, he did not disappoint.

The Performance: Striking Out Five and Hitting 99 MPH

When Roki Sasaki stepped onto the mound for his spring training debut, the buzz around the stadium was palpable. The Los Angeles fans, who had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Japanese sensation, were primed for a showcase of what they could expect from the young right-hander during the 2025 season. Sasaki did not let them down, putting together an electrifying performance that left a lasting impression.

First Inning: Setting the Tone

Sasaki’s debut was marked by a display of composure and dominance right from the start. Facing a handful of MLB hitters for the first time, the 22-year-old began his outing with a fastball that touched 98 mph, immediately showcasing his power. But it wasn’t just the speed that impressed—the movement on his pitches was equally impressive. Sasaki’s fastball displayed late life, making it difficult for hitters to time up the ball, and it was clear that his velocity wasn’t the only weapon in his arsenal.

The first batter Sasaki faced was a seasoned MLB veteran who was tasked with setting the tone for the at-bat. After getting ahead in the count, Sasaki unleashed a fastball that zipped past the batter’s bat at 99 mph. The pitch was so well placed on the inside corner that the batter could do little more than swing and miss. The crowd erupted in excitement, and it was clear that Sasaki’s velocity would be a major asset throughout his outing.

The Splitter: A Game-Changer

Sasaki’s splitter—arguably his most lethal pitch—was on full display during his debut, and it was immediately evident why so many scouts had been raving about it. As he settled into his rhythm, Sasaki used the splitter to generate weak contact and strikeouts. In his second inning of work, Sasaki threw a perfectly executed splitter that fell off the table, leaving the batter flailing at a pitch that dropped sharply out of the strike zone.

The Dodgers’ pitching coaches had been working with Sasaki to fine-tune his mechanics, and it was clear that his splitter had become even more effective since his time in Japan. The pitch was consistently throwing hitters off balance, and it was evident that Sasaki could use it in various situations—whether to induce weak ground balls or generate strikeouts.

With one batter after another swinging through his splitter or chasing it out of the strike zone, Sasaki racked up strikeouts at a pace that stunned the observers in attendance. By the time the second inning came to a close, Sasaki had already accumulated four strikeouts, leaving his opposition in awe of his pitch mix and control.

The Slider and Control: Mastery of the Arsenal

While the fastball and splitter were the standout pitches in Sasaki’s debut, he also displayed excellent command of his slider, which he used effectively to attack hitters’ weaknesses. Sasaki’s slider has been known for its sharp, late break, and it was easy to see why it has become an important pitch in his repertoire. On several occasions, Sasaki used the slider to get hitters to chase pitches in the dirt, generating weak contact or swinging strikes.

What was especially impressive, though, was Sasaki’s ability to throw his slider for strikes in various counts. Whether he was ahead in the count or battling from behind, Sasaki showed confidence in his ability to control all three of his major pitches. The combination of power, movement, and command was something that not only had Dodgers’ fans excited, but also had opposing batters wondering how they would even begin to approach him in the regular season.

By the time Sasaki was pulled from the game after three innings of work, he had struck out five batters while allowing just one hit. His fastball had topped out at 99 mph, and his secondary pitches had kept hitters off balance throughout the outing. It was a dominant performance that left no doubt in anyone’s mind that Sasaki could be a force to be reckoned with in the MLB.

What Makes Sasaki Special?

While Sasaki’s debut in spring training was an electrifying display, it’s important to understand what makes him such a special talent. There are several key elements to his pitching style that make him stand out:

Velocity and Movement

One of Sasaki’s most notable attributes is his raw velocity. Hitting 99 mph on the radar gun is no easy feat, and Sasaki’s fastball is one of the most powerful in the game. But what sets his fastball apart from other hard throwers is its movement. Unlike some pitchers who rely solely on raw speed, Sasaki’s fastball has late movement that makes it much harder to hit than simply a straight 99 mph pitch. His ability to locate it on the inside and outside corners allows him to generate weak contact or swing and misses, especially when hitters are expecting something else.

The Splitter

Sasaki’s splitter is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. With its devastating drop and late break, it’s a pitch that keeps hitters off balance. Many pitchers struggle with the splitter, as it can be difficult to consistently command, but Sasaki has mastered the pitch. It generates a large number of strikeouts and weak contact, and it’s a pitch that will likely be one of his go-to weapons in the MLB. Sasaki’s splitter is often compared to those of MLB greats like Hideo Nomo and Yu Darvish, who have used similar pitches to dominate hitters.

Control and Command

Sasaki isn’t just a thrower; he’s a pitcher with exceptional control and command. Throughout his debut, he showed an ability to spot his pitches precisely where he wanted. This is an important skill for pitchers in the MLB, where location is often as important as velocity. Sasaki’s ability to hit the corners with his fastball, while mixing in his secondary pitches with confidence, allows him to dominate hitters in a variety of situations. His poise on the mound, particularly in high-leverage counts, suggests that he can handle the pressure of MLB play.

Mental Toughness

Baseball isn’t just about physical tools—it’s also about mental toughness. Sasaki’s debut performance showed that he has the right mindset to thrive in the major leagues. Despite being a rookie and having the weight of high expectations on his shoulders, Sasaki looked calm and collected on the mound. He wasn’t rattled by hitters who were trying to adjust to his pitches, and he seemed to relish the opportunity to prove himself. This mental toughness will serve him well as he faces some of the best hitters in the world.

Reactions from Coaches, Teammates, and Analysts

Sasaki’s spring training debut garnered widespread praise, and the reactions from those in the Dodgers organization, as well as analysts and former players, were overwhelmingly positive.

Dodgers pitching coach said that he was impressed not only by Sasaki’s stuff but also by his ability to command it. “His fastball velocity is one thing, but the movement he generates with it is just special,” the coach said. “When you combine that with his secondary pitches, you have a pitcher who can dominate in this league.”

Teammates were equally complimentary. Veteran Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw remarked, “Roki’s debut was impressive. You can see the natural talent he has. The way he handles himself on the mound, his confidence—it’s rare for someone so young. I think we’re all excited to see what he does in the regular season.”

Baseball analysts who watched the debut were quick to point out that Sasaki’s spring training performance proved that he could transition seamlessly to the MLB level. “I’ve seen a lot of international pitchers come over, but Sasaki’s stuff is on another level,” said one MLB analyst. “The fact that he could dominate MLB hitters with his velocity and command in his first appearance shows just how special he is.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Roki Sasaki’s spring training debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers was everything fans could have hoped for and more. With his electric fastball, devastating splitter, and poised command, Sasaki showed that he is more than ready to compete at the MLB level. The performance left no doubt that the young Japanese pitcher has the potential to become one of the best pitchers in the league.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Sasaki to see if he can continue this dominant form in the regular season. If his debut is any indication, Dodgers fans have plenty to look forward to, and Sasaki’s future in Major League Baseball looks incredibly bright.