Even with some bumps along the way, the Los Angeles Dodgers overall have played quality baseball in the past month, evident by their MLB-best 20-7 record since May 13.
The vibes are deservedly high in the clubhouse and the weight room lately. Roki Sasaki has been on a nice run of his own on the mound and that can at least partly be attributed to his physical preparation.
According to Jack Harris of the California Post, the Japanese right-hander is reaping the benefits of his commitment to the strength and conditioning program. He has also curated a specific type of atmosphere while working out, which includes Justin Bieber songs.
“I put on some Bounty and Mr. Children,” Smith said, referencing Japanese pop groups that Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto had told him about.
“And then, Justin Bieber,” Smith added with a chuckle. “He wanted a little Justin Bieber.”
The 24-year-old has built upon his breakout start against the Los Angeles Angels on May 17. He followed it up with two more promising outings against playoff-caliber opposing lineups, and dominated the Angels for a second time.
In his last four starts, he has a 2-0 record with a 1.48 ERA, 29 strikeouts and just five walks across 24.1 innings of work.
It has been a rewarding outcome for both the player and the Dodgers, who have shown great patience with the young right-hander.
Roki Sasaki looking like touted prospect from Japan
Manager Dave Roberts pointed to Sasaki’s outing against the Milwaukee Brewers as evidence of the 24-year-old starting to come into his own as a Major League starter.
His teammates have noticed as well, with Teoscar Hernández arriving at a similar conclusion and adding that Sasaki is starting to show why he was such a hyped prospect coming over from Japan.
“The biggest thing is after those three runs, focusing and getting back to attacking the hitters, hitting the strike zone, getting ahead in the count,” Hernández told Ken Rosenthal on the Fox broadcast. “He’s been great in the last, like, three starts.
“I think he’s still learning, still getting the confidence back. I think we’re going to see the Sasaki that they used to see in Japan.”
Not only is he pitching with more confidence, but the right-hander also saw his fastball velocity increase by 1.5 mph from his season average.
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