Los Angeles — When Roki Sasaki stepped onto the mound, it was with a look that wasn’t just “control,” but “fight.” After struggling to find his form, he showed signs of a rebirth — and the Dodgers were rejoicing that they had found a new temperament for their pitching lineup.
Sasaki had high hopes when he arrived at the Dodgers. But his early appearances weren’t always convincing, and his ability to adjust his pitches and control his power were inconsistent. Many questioned whether he could become a key cog in Los Angeles’ title race.
But in recent games, things have started to change. His pitch velocity has improved significantly, and his off-speed variation has become sharper — allowing Sasaki to not only control the pace of the game but also dictate the game when needed.
The Dodgers coaching staff has worked closely with Sasaki on mechanics, consistency, and performance—from improving his form and contact to mixing up his pitches to making them not only fast but unpredictable.
The result: a spike in strikeouts and a drop in walk rates—signs of a pitcher who knows himself better than ever. When the ball hits the “hard” zone, opponents start to adjust—and that’s when Sasaki starts to take control of the game.
The excitement is spreading from the locker room to the stands. Teammates are praising the tenacity of Sasaki, who has endured the pressure of being brought in with the expectation of a “miracle.” And Dodgers fans—who have a history of developing talent—are now dreaming of a new hitter in the lineup who can take Los Angeles to the big games.
If Sasaki continues to maintain his current form — steady speed, good control, and confidence on the mound — he could become a key pillar of the Dodgers lineup. With a tight schedule and a clear goal: a championship, Los Angeles needs guys like Sasaki — guys who can turn a game around with a single pitch or a well-timed change of strategy.
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