Roki Sasaki, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ top MLB prospect, has been the focus of attention for what seems like forever. Despite high expectations, his debut season hasn’t lived up to the hype. In both of his first two starts, Sasaki faced clear difficulties on the mound. His second outing especially exposed the pressure he’s under in the major leagues—it was written all over his face.
This has stirred a lot of discussion within the Dodgers organization about when and whether Sasaki should return to the mound. Though his early performances have been shaky, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains supportive. He emphasized that Sasaki is still one of their most valuable pitching assets and praised how he’s handled the transition to the majors since his challenging debut.
Rumors have circulated about the possibility of sending Sasaki down to the Triple-A Oklahoma City team. But Roberts seemed to dismiss those talks for now. He highlighted Sasaki’s work ethic and resilience, saying, “I think that he’s handling it well. I want him to continue to stay out there and stay visible. He’s not used to having some struggles, and I think that this is an opportunity for him to fight back and answer back.”
Roberts’ comments suggest that he believes it’s still too early to make a final judgment based on just two starts. Sasaki’s bullpen sessions have reportedly looked promising, and Roberts is hopeful that the young pitcher can bounce back. As of now, Sasaki is expected to make his next start on Saturday, when the Dodgers face the Philadelphia Phillies. Still, Citizens Bank Park may not be the most forgiving venue for a bounce-back performance.
Despite the pressure, the Dodgers are known for having a strong development system, which could help Sasaki identify areas that need improvement. Whether he can overcome his struggles depends entirely on how he responds to the current adversity.
Sasaki’s first MLB game lasted just 1.2 innings, during which he gave up two runs and four walks. His visible emotion as he left the field showed just how tough the moment was for him. The rough debut against the Detroit Tigers was followed by another difficult performance against the Chicago Cubs, where he lasted 4.2 innings, issued nine walks, recorded four strikeouts, and ended up with a 5.79 ERA and 2.79 WHIP.
These early struggles have sparked concern among fans and analysts alike, with some believing a demotion to the minors might be the best move. However, such a decision would represent a worst-case scenario. Sasaki still has the chance to regroup and prove himself—if he can block out external distractions and focus on his game.
So, the big question remains: Can Roki Sasaki turn things around and become the star many expected him to be, or is a trip to the minors unavoidable at this point?