Roki Sasaki's journey from relief pitcher to World Series champion is a fascinating tale, but his return to the starting rotation is where the real intrigue lies. How did this role change impact his future as a starting pitcher?
A Temporary Detour to the Bullpen
Roki Sasaki, the 24-year-old Japanese sensation, initially joined the Los Angeles Dodgers as a starting pitcher. However, the team's strategy shifted during their championship run, and Sasaki found himself in the bullpen, a role he hadn't played since his early days in the minors. Despite this, he excelled as the team's closer, securing three saves and allowing just one earned run in over 10 innings.
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers' president of baseball operations, clarified that this move was always intended to be temporary. The primary goal was to refine Sasaki's delivery, and the team believes they've made significant progress. They see him as a top-tier starter and are committed to preparing him for that role in the upcoming season.
The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown
Sasaki's relief stint offered a mix of encouraging signs and lingering concerns. On the positive side, his velocity returned with a vengeance. As a starter, he rarely threw pitches over 99 mph, but in relief, he consistently hit that mark. This increase in speed, combined with improved control, led to a higher strikeout rate and a lower walk rate.
But here's where it gets controversial: Sasaki's fastball, while still effective, showed signs of decline during the latter stages of the postseason. After averaging 99-100 mph in the early rounds, his four-seamer slowed down slightly in the NL Championship Series and the World Series. This could be attributed to fatigue, as his heaviest workload came in the NLDS, where he threw three perfect innings on 36 pitches.
Unleashing the Electric Stuff
The Dodgers' bullpen and rotation roles demand different skill sets, and Sasaki's success in the bullpen doesn't guarantee a seamless transition back to the rotation. However, the most encouraging takeaway is that his electric arm is still there. Sasaki's time in the bullpen may have been a detour, but it allowed him to refine his skills and gain valuable experience.
With a full offseason to prepare and the potential addition of a cutter to his arsenal, Sasaki is poised to reclaim his spot in the rotation. The Dodgers' faith in his ability to return to starting is well-founded, and it will be fascinating to see how he performs in the upcoming season.
What do you think about Sasaki's transition back to the starting rotation? Is the Dodgers' strategy a wise move, or should they have kept him in the bullpen? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
