Roki Sasaki’s MLB debut raises concerns for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are worried about his “health”: Report

Roki Sasaki’s potential move to Major League Baseball (MLB) has been a topic of much speculation and excitement in recent months. As one of the most highly touted young pitchers in Japan, Sasaki has garnered significant attention from MLB scouts and teams alike. With his fastball regularly touching 102 mph and his ability to generate strikeouts at will, it is no surprise that the Los Angeles Dodgers, among other major league clubs, have shown significant interest. However, recent reports have revealed that Sasaki’s potential MLB debut could be causing concern, particularly regarding his long-term health.

This article will delve into the situation, exploring the background of Roki Sasaki’s rise to prominence in Japan, the concerns regarding his health, and what this might mean for both his career and the future of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Roki Sasaki: A Phenomenal Talent

Before examining the health concerns, it’s crucial to understand just what makes Sasaki such an exciting prospect. Born in 2001 in the Iwate Prefecture of Japan, Sasaki has been considered a prodigious talent from an early age. His combination of raw power, pinpoint control, and an advanced pitching arsenal made him stand out even in the highly competitive Japanese high school baseball scene.

Sasaki’s high school career reached a pinnacle during the 2019 High School Baseball Championship, where he pitched a perfect game, striking out 19 batters in the process. This performance put him squarely on the map, drawing comparisons to some of the best pitchers in Japan’s storied baseball history. His fastball velocity, regularly hitting the high 90s and occasionally touching triple digits, earned him a reputation as one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the world at such a young age.

Following his high school success, Sasaki was drafted by the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, where he quickly made a name for himself in Japan’s top league. In his first few seasons, Sasaki showed his ability to dominate, regularly posting impressive strikeout numbers while maintaining an ERA well below the league average.

But it wasn’t just his fastball that caught the attention of MLB teams. Sasaki also possesses a devastating splitter, one of the most feared off-speed pitches in the game. This combination of heat and movement makes him a two-pitch threat that has kept batters on edge throughout his NPB career.

Why the Los Angeles Dodgers?

The Los Angeles Dodgers are no strangers to making big moves in the international market. Over the years, they have invested heavily in scouting and developing talent from Japan, Korea, and other countries. With their deep pockets and successful track record of player development, the Dodgers have positioned themselves as one of the most attractive teams for international free agents and prospects.

Given the Dodgers’ success in recent seasons, both in the regular season and the postseason, it makes sense that they would target an elite pitcher like Sasaki. The team has been in a constant pursuit of pitching talent, looking to maintain their dominance in the National League and continue their drive toward a World Series championship.

With a rotation that already boasts star players such as Clayton Kershaw, Julio Urías, and Walker Buehler, adding Sasaki to the mix would give the Dodgers an even more formidable pitching staff. Sasaki’s power arm and potential to develop into one of the game’s top pitchers make him an enticing prospect for a team with championship aspirations.

Concerns Over Sasaki’s Health

Despite the excitement surrounding his potential MLB debut, there are growing concerns about Sasaki’s long-term health. These concerns are not unwarranted, given the heavy workload that Sasaki has endured during his young career, especially considering the intense pressure that comes with pitching in both high school and professional baseball in Japan.

One of the primary worries is the state of Sasaki’s elbow and shoulder. Sasaki has reportedly already experienced some injury setbacks during his time in the NPB. He was sidelined for a period of time during the 2020 season due to elbow discomfort, raising fears about the long-term durability of his arm. While he returned to form after that injury, the potential for recurring issues has been a topic of discussion among medical experts and team officials.

Additionally, Sasaki’s throwing mechanics have been scrutinized. His violent, high-effort delivery has led some experts to suggest that he may be more prone to injury, particularly with his fastball velocity pushing the limits of what is considered sustainable for a pitcher of his age. The stress placed on his elbow and shoulder during each outing could ultimately shorten his career if not properly managed.

The Dodgers, in particular, have been known to take a cautious approach when it comes to pitchers with a history of arm injuries. With their extensive medical and sports science departments, the team is well-equipped to monitor Sasaki’s progress and ensure that he stays healthy. However, the concerns about his durability are something that cannot be easily ignored.

The Physical Toll of International Play

One factor that may contribute to the health concerns surrounding Sasaki is the physical toll that international play can take on a pitcher’s body. Sasaki’s journey to the MLB is not a straightforward one. In addition to his NPB seasons, Sasaki has also pitched for Japan in international competitions, such as the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). In these tournaments, he faced top-tier competition, which undoubtedly added to the wear and tear on his body.

Pitchers in Japan, particularly those who are as talented as Sasaki, are often expected to throw heavy workloads from a young age. This can lead to a higher risk of injuries, especially when it comes to young, hard-throwing pitchers. Many experts have noted that Sasaki’s heavy usage early in his career could contribute to the health concerns that the Dodgers, as well as other MLB teams, are considering.

The Adjustment to MLB Competition

Another factor in the health concerns surrounding Sasaki is the potential for an adjustment period when transitioning from the NPB to MLB. While Sasaki has proven himself to be one of the best pitchers in Japan, the MLB presents a different level of competition. The hitters in the major leagues are generally more experienced, more disciplined, and better able to handle velocity and movement than those in the NPB.

The transition to MLB could put additional strain on Sasaki’s body as he adjusts to the increased workload and level of competition. The Dodgers are well aware of this, and it’s something that they will need to monitor closely as they make their decision about whether to bring Sasaki over sooner rather than later.

In addition, the demands of a full 162-game MLB season, with travel and the grueling nature of the schedule, could take a toll on Sasaki’s body. In Japan, teams typically play fewer games, and the travel schedule is less taxing, which may have allowed Sasaki to maintain a more manageable workload.

The Long-Term Future of Roki Sasaki

Ultimately, the question surrounding Sasaki’s future is not just whether he can be successful in MLB, but whether he can maintain his health and pitch at a high level for many years to come. The Dodgers are known for their long-term approach to player development, and they will likely take every precaution to ensure that Sasaki’s career is not derailed by injury.

If Sasaki does join the Dodgers in the near future, the team will have to manage his workload carefully. It is possible that they will implement strict innings limits, similar to the strategy used with younger pitchers like Walker Buehler and Julio Urías. The Dodgers may also take a conservative approach with Sasaki in terms of his spring training, regular-season starts, and potential playoff appearances.

In the long run, the Dodgers’ ability to manage Sasaki’s health will be key to determining whether he can live up to his potential as a generational talent. With the right support and a careful approach, Sasaki could be a mainstay in the Dodgers’ rotation for years to come. However, if his health issues persist or worsen, it could dramatically alter the course of his career and, by extension, the Dodgers’ championship aspirations.