In the world of Major League Baseball (MLB), where talent from across the globe converges, Japanese pitchers have been making waves with their precision, velocity, and resilience. One such rising star is Roki Sasaki, the young phenom who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. However, his path has been anything but smooth. In his latest Triple-A outing on September 2, 2025 (September 3 Japan time), Sasaki faced a tough start against Sugar Land, surrendering four runs in the first inning alone. This performance has raised questions about his recovery from injury and his readiness for a return to the majors. As an international audience follows his story, let’s dive into the details, his background, and what this means for his future—while exploring fan reactions from Japan.
A Rough First Inning: Breaking Down the Game
Sasaki, pitching for the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate Oklahoma City, took the mound for his fourth start in the minors. The game started promisingly as he quickly retired the first two batters. But trouble brewed when he hit the third batter with a pitch. From there, things unraveled. The fourth hitter, Cole, crushed Sasaki’s first-pitch 94.5 mph (about 152 km/h) fastball for a two-run homer to right field. After walking the fifth batter, Sasaki served up another two-run shot to the sixth hitter, Singleton, on a 94.4 mph (about 152 km/h) fastball. Visibly frustrated on the mound, Sasaki managed to throw two more pitches to the seventh batter before the stadium lights failed, causing a delay. He eventually ended the inning with a groundout to shortstop.
This inning pushed his Triple-A ERA to a concerning 9.90 after previously sitting at 8.00 over three starts (0-1 record). His velocity, once a hallmark of his game reaching over 100 mph, has been noticeably down, hovering in the mid-90s. This outing highlights ongoing struggles with command and consistency, key areas for any pitcher aiming to dominate in MLB.
From NPB Phenom to MLB Hopeful: Sasaki’s Background
For those new to Sasaki’s story, the 23-year-old right-hander burst onto the scene in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league with the Chiba Lotte Marines. In 2022, at just 20 years old, he threw a perfect game—the 16th in NPB history—striking out 19 batters and showcasing a fastball that touched 102 mph (164 km/h). His splitter, often called “ghost fork” for its deceptive drop, became legendary. Sasaki’s talent drew comparisons to Shohei Ohtani, another Japanese export who has revolutionized MLB with the Dodgers.
Sasaki’s move to MLB came via the posting system, a process allowing Japanese players under 25 to transfer early, albeit with restrictions on contract size. The Dodgers signed him to a deal emphasizing development, recognizing his potential as a future ace. In his MLB debut season, he started eight games, going 1-1 with a 4.72 ERA before injury struck. This transition isn’t uncommon for international players; adapting to MLB’s slicker baseballs, harder mounds, and grueling schedule often takes time. Culturally, Sasaki represents the growing bridge between Japanese baseball traditions—rooted in discipline and team harmony—and the high-stakes, individualistic world of American pro sports.
The Injury Hurdle: Understanding Shoulder Impingement
Sasaki’s setbacks stem from right shoulder impingement syndrome, diagnosed on May 13, 2025 (May 14 Japan time), landing him on the injured list (IL) for the first time in his MLB career. This condition, common among pitchers, occurs when the rotator cuff tendons get pinched between the bones in the shoulder during overhead motions. Symptoms include pain, reduced velocity, and loss of command—exactly what Sasaki has exhibited.
Rehab has been methodical. After 97 days sidelined, he returned to action in Triple-A on August 14, 2025 (August 15 Japan time), but struggled: 2/3 innings, six hits, three runs, no strikeouts, with a max velocity of 95.7 mph (154 km/h). His second start on August 20 (August 21 Japan time) showed slight improvement: 3 1/3 innings, three hits, two runs (one earned). These outings underscore the physical and mental toll of recovery. As Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted in an interview on August 31 (September 1 Japan time), “Maintaining consistent velocity, throwing strikes, honing command, and pitching steadily are crucial. We want to see him dominate in Triple-A.” So far, dominance has eluded him, but at his young age, there’s ample time for growth.
Shoulder impingement affects many athletes globally, from MLB stars like Clayton Kershaw to international talents. Treatment often involves rest, physical therapy, and strength training for the shoulder and core. For non-native readers, it’s worth noting that Japanese training philosophies emphasize precision over brute force, which might explain Sasaki’s deliberate rehab pace—prioritizing long-term health over rushed returns.
Fan Reactions: Voices from Japan
Sasaki’s journey has sparked passionate discussions among Japanese fans, reflecting the deep cultural pride in their MLB exports. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), reactions range from supportive to critical, highlighting the high expectations placed on young talents.
One fan expressed concern about his mental resilience: “His velocity fluctuates—sure, the injury plays a part, but he’s probably realizing why his early MLB challenge was questioned. This year will test him painfully. Does he have the mental strength to climb back up on his own? That’s the question.”
Another commenter took a harsher stance: “Is he just a spoiled pitcher raised with overprotection, or a true one who can overcome walls on his own? We’ll know in the next 2-3 years.” This reflects a common sentiment in Japanese sports culture, where perseverance (ganbaru) is revered.
On a more positive note, fans encourage patience: “Sasaki is still young at 23. The challenges now—improving his physique, pitch control, and stamina—will pay off. Early MLB move was good; it fixed his shoulder issues early. Success comes after challenges.”
These comments underscore the emotional investment Japanese fans have in players like Sasaki, Ohtani, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They blend hope with realism, drawing from Japan’s baseball heritage where stars like Hideo Nomo paved the way for international success.
Analysis and Future Outlook
Sasaki’s current struggles—low velocity, high ERA, and command issues—aren’t unusual for a rehabbing pitcher. MLB’s demands differ from NPB: longer season, more travel, and diverse hitters. His fastball, once unhittable, now sits in the 94-95 mph range, making it vulnerable without pinpoint control. However, glimpses of progress, like occasional 98 mph heaters in prior starts, suggest recovery is underway.
Looking ahead, Roberts’ emphasis on dominance in Triple-A implies Sasaki won’t return to the majors until he consistently overpowers minor-league hitters. With the Dodgers in playoff contention, they can’t afford risks. A September call-up remains possible if he strings together strong outings, but 2026 might be his true breakout year. For international fans, Sasaki’s story is inspiring: a reminder that even prodigies face adversity, and cultural adaptation is key to thriving in MLB.
In a league featuring global stars, Sasaki’s resilience could cement him as the next Japanese ace. As he works through this phase, fans worldwide watch eagerly, rooting for his triumphant return.
