The Los Angeles Dodgers are atop the NL West with an 84-65 record, but playoff pressure is mounting as the team deals with a slew of injuries and an unstable bullpen. In the middle of this delicate line, one name is making the baseball community boil: Roki Sasaki – the “Japanese monster” who is currently rehabbed at Triple-A Oklahoma City. The question is: Will the Dodgers dare to risk sending this young talent to the majors in September, or will they keep him in the minors to improve?
Sasaki, with his 102 mph fastball and “monstrous” splitter that knocks batters off their feet, is one of MLB’s most sought-after prospects. After signing with the Dodgers, he was sent to Triple-A to prove his dominance before his debut. The latest news is that Sasaki has flown back to Los Angeles to discuss next steps with the coaching staff. Some insiders have suggested that he could be tested in the bullpen in late September, especially since the Dodgers are short on relievers like Evan Phillips (Tommy John surgery, returning in 2026) and Michael Grove (lost in 2025 due to shoulder surgery).
Why is Sasaki so hot? First of all, his story is reminiscent of Shohei Ohtani – another Japanese superstar who took the Dodgers to the world. Fans on X are comparing Sasaki to Ohtani, from pitching skills to international pressure. One post on X reads: “If Sasaki debuts and throws 100 mph at Dodger Stadium, Twitter will explode!” Plus, Sasaki has global appeal: Japanese fans, who are diehard MLB fans, are closely following his every move. A successful debut could turn Sasaki into a media sensation, from TikTok highlights to “Japanese pitcher supremacy” memes.
However, the decision to move Sasaki to the majors is not simple. The Dodgers are in the worst stretch under manager Dave Roberts (22-32 from July 4 to September 6), and their bullpen has shown some weaknesses, like Tanner Scott’s recent walk-off grand slam. Sasaki, while talented, has no majors experience. A loss in a tight game could hurt his confidence. Conversely, keeping Sasaki in the minors for too long could slow the development of a pitcher who is considered “the future of the Dodgers.” “We need Sasaki to prove he’s ready,” Roberts once said, “but time waits for no one.”
Fans are divided. Some would like to see Sasaki debut right away, especially as the Dodgers need a new spark to defend their World Series crown. Others say he should be “cherished” for the 2026 season. Either way, the decision will shape not only the Dodgers’ 2025 season but also Sasaki’s career.
Picture this: Sasaki comes out of the bullpen, throwing a 102 mph fastball in front of 50,000 fans at Dodger Stadium. Will it be a historic moment—or a huge gamble? Tune in to the Sept. 20 game against the Padres to see if the “Japanese monster” gets the call. What do you think? Sasaki goes to the majors or stays in the minors? Share on X with the hashtag #SasakiWatch!
Leave a Reply