Roki Sasaki Feels the Pressure with the Dodgers Ahead of His First Start Against the Cubs on Wednesday

As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare for another pivotal stretch in the 2025 MLB season, all eyes are on one of their most high-profile acquisitions of the year—Roki Sasaki, the Japanese pitching phenom. This Wednesday, Sasaki will make his much-anticipated first start for the Dodgers, taking the mound against the Chicago Cubs. However, despite his impressive pedigree in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Sasaki faces a unique set of pressures as he steps onto the major league stage.

For those who have followed Sasaki’s career, the hype surrounding him is impossible to ignore. The right-hander is often referred to as one of the most electrifying pitchers to emerge from Japan in recent years, with a fastball that can touch 102 mph and an unhittable splitter that leaves batters guessing. Yet, no matter how talented a player is, the transition to Major League Baseball is never simple—especially for an international pitcher like Sasaki, who must adapt to the style, pace, and expectations of America’s most prestigious baseball league.

As Sasaki prepares for his debut against the Cubs, he feels the weight of these pressures acutely. The Dodgers are one of the most storied franchises in MLB history, with a fan base that demands excellence year in and year out. Furthermore, the Dodgers are in the midst of a fierce playoff race, making every game, and every performance, matter that much more.

The Rise of Roki Sasaki in Japan

Before we delve into the pressures Sasaki faces with the Dodgers, it’s important to understand the path that brought him to Los Angeles. Born on November 3, 2001, in the city of Ichikawa, Japan, Sasaki quickly made a name for himself in the world of baseball. He attended the prestigious Chuo University in Tokyo, where he gained attention for his powerful arm and impressive command of the strike zone. However, it was his breakout performance at the 2019 U-18 Baseball World Cup in Gijón, Spain, that truly put him on the map. Sasaki’s 160-km/h (99 mph) fastball was a revelation, and scouts began to take notice.

In 2020, Sasaki was drafted first overall by the Chiba Lotte Marines, a team in Japan’s NPB. From the start, Sasaki demonstrated why he was so highly regarded. His 100 mph fastball, combined with his devastating splitter and cutter, made him nearly unhittable, and by the end of his rookie season, Sasaki had already established himself as one of the most talented pitchers in Japan. He also became famous for his ability to throw back-to-back no-hitters in 2022, an incredible feat that earned him comparisons to the greats of the game.

But despite his success in Japan, Sasaki’s ultimate goal was to test himself in MLB. That dream became a reality when the Dodgers signed him to a lucrative contract during the offseason of 2025. For the Dodgers, Sasaki represented both a future star and an immediate asset to an already-elite pitching rotation. However, the expectations placed upon him were immense.

The Pressure of Playing for the Dodgers

For any player coming to a new team, there is a level of pressure to perform, but for Sasaki, it is magnified tenfold by the Dodgers’ prestige and their high expectations. Los Angeles has been one of the most successful and storied franchises in Major League Baseball, with 24 World Series championships, 6 MVPs, and countless Hall of Famers. The Dodgers’ fan base is passionate, unforgiving, and deeply invested in the success of their team.

For Sasaki, who was accustomed to the relatively smaller market of Japan, the spotlight is now on him in ways he may not have experienced before. The bright lights of Los Angeles are not just about the glitz and glamour of Hollywood; they also mean heightened scrutiny from both the media and the fanbase. Every pitch Sasaki throws will be analyzed, and every performance will be dissected. In a city like Los Angeles, the demand for greatness is relentless, and fans expect nothing short of excellence.

Additionally, the Dodgers have a long history of attracting international talent, particularly from Japan. In the past, players like Hideo Nomo and Kenta Maeda have come to Los Angeles from Japan and made immediate impacts. The expectations placed on Sasaki are not just about his raw talent, but also about following in the footsteps of these predecessors. For Sasaki, this is both an opportunity and a challenge. He is keenly aware of the legacy of Japanese pitchers in the Dodgers organization, and he understands that to succeed in Los Angeles, he must elevate his game to new heights.

Adapting to MLB: A Different Brand of Baseball

While Sasaki’s talent is undeniable, one of the biggest hurdles he faces is the difference in style between Japan’s NPB and Major League Baseball. Though both leagues are high-caliber, MLB’s level of competition is often seen as the pinnacle of the sport. The bats in the United States are more powerful, the hitters are more patient, and the pressure is more pronounced.

Sasaki will have to adapt to the faster-paced, higher-stakes environment of MLB. Unlike NPB, where pitchers can often get away with relying on a dominant fastball or breaking ball, Major League hitters are more adept at adjusting to different pitches. In Japan, pitchers like Sasaki can get away with throwing a high fastball to strike out batters, but in MLB, hitters are more likely to make contact with pitches up in the zone, forcing pitchers to develop a wider repertoire.

Furthermore, Sasaki must learn to navigate MLB’s high-pressure situations, particularly in high-leverage moments. In Japan, fans and media tend to be more reserved in their reactions, but in the United States, the stakes are often amplified. Every blown save, every missed strike, and every walk can be subject to intense scrutiny. For a player who has spent most of his career playing in a much more subdued environment, this level of pressure can be overwhelming.

On top of this, Sasaki must also adjust to the grueling travel schedule and the 162-game season of MLB. The long season, with its frequent travel, can take a toll on even the most seasoned players. Sasaki, who has never experienced such a demanding schedule, will need to learn how to manage his energy, deal with fatigue, and stay focused over the course of a lengthy campaign.

Making His First Start: The Cubs Challenge

All of these factors will come into play when Sasaki makes his first start for the Dodgers on Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs, while not an elite team, have a lineup that can be dangerous on any given day. Chicago has been known for its patient approach at the plate, and Sasaki will need to rely on his full arsenal of pitches to keep their hitters off-balance.

The Cubs’ lineup, led by veterans like Seiya Suzuki and Willson Contreras, is known for being disciplined and capable of making pitchers work deep into counts. For Sasaki, this will be a test of his ability to execute pitches under pressure. He cannot afford to be overly aggressive or too predictable. Sasaki will need to strike a balance between being assertive with his fastball and being strategic with his off-speed offerings. Additionally, he must adjust to the different strike zone and umpire tendencies in MLB—something that many international pitchers struggle with when first arriving.

Despite the challenges, Sasaki is known for his poise on the mound. Even in the most pressure-filled situations, Sasaki has shown an ability to block out distractions and focus on executing his pitches. This mindset will be crucial as he faces a Cubs lineup that, while not filled with superstar hitters, has the potential to make any pitcher uncomfortable if they are not careful.

For Sasaki, the first start will not just be about the result but about making a strong impression. The Dodgers’ fan base will be watching closely, and expectations will be high. If Sasaki can deliver a solid performance, it will help to ease some of the pressure he’s feeling. However, it is important to remember that this is just one start in a long season. Sasaki’s ability to adapt, learn, and grow will determine his long-term success in Major League Baseball.

The Dodgers’ Faith in Sasaki

One of the things that will help Sasaki throughout this process is the support he has from the Dodgers’ organization. The team has a track record of helping international players transition to the big leagues, with a dedicated staff focused on player development and mental wellness. Players like Maeda and Nomo, despite the initial challenges they faced, went on to have successful careers with the Dodgers, thanks to the support they received.

The Dodgers understand that success in MLB is not immediate and that the transition can take time. The team’s pitching coach, Dave Roberts, has been vocal about his confidence in Sasaki’s abilities. Roberts has emphasized that while the expectations for Sasaki are high, the team is committed to supporting him through this transition and ensuring that he doesn’t feel overwhelmed by the pressure.

As Roki Sasaki prepares for his first start with the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, the weight of expectations looms large. However, Sasaki has shown time and time again that he is capable of handling pressure. The Dodgers have placed their faith in him, and while the road ahead may not always be smooth, Sasaki has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ pitching staff for years to come.

In a city where talent is celebrated but never taken for granted, Sasaki’s debut will be more than just a game—it will be a moment that could define his career in Major League Baseball. Whether he thrives or struggles, one thing is certain: the journey ahead for Roki Sasaki with the Dodgers is one that will be watched closely by fans, media, and players alike.