Roki Sasaki’s first taste of pitching against an opponent didn’t come in a Cactus League start, but instead in a ‘B’ game at Camelback Ranch that was more of a simulated situation in terms of atmosphere.
Sasaki is expected to be the Dodgers’ starter in the finale of the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 19, which means there are a limited number of opportunities to prepare before Opening Day.
Sasaki completed three innings in his first Spring Training start, one more than the Dodgers had him penciled down for. But there is still a long way for Sasaki to go before he takes the mound for his first MLB start in less than three weeks.
For now, the right-hander is scheduled to make a second appearance next week, but the Dodgers are still unsure whether that will be another start on a backfield at Camelback Ranch or in a Cactus League game.
“We’ll see. We’re going to talk about it, because obviously, then you’re starting to get guys kind of working together on the same day. So we’re trying to sift through that,” manager Dave Roberts said on Wednesday.
He was a bit more forthright the following morning, indicating Sasaki’s next start would come on Tuesday and it “potentially” would be in Cactus League.
Similar to how the Dodgers approached Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s rookie season, they are being equally cautious with Sasaki. Having Sasaki make starts on the backfields is the best option to let him build up in a controlled setting.
However, the Dodgers also recognize the importance of exposing him to a more vigorous setting in anticipation of his MLB debut.
“Yeah, it’s very important. He needs to certainly build up. But also be in this environment,” Roberts said when asked about the importance of Sasaki pitching in a Cactus League game before the team departs for Japan.
Dodgers ‘pleased’ with Roki Sasaki’s first start
Sasaki’s three-inning outing on Tuesday got off on the wrong foot when he allowed a leadoff home run to Chicago White Sox prospect Kyle Teel.
Despite that misstep, the Dodgers were satisfied from what they saw from Sasaki in his outing. Sasaki’s fastball velocity and chase on his splitter were of particular note.
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