"I wouldn't say there was a wall between Sasaki's camp and the Dodgers. I do think there was a learning curve for both parties. When a player comes in from overseas, there can be communication mix-ups, especially regarding usage and health. The front office has indicated the team has a much better understanding of Sasaki and how he operates."
"Sasaki seems to be more open to team feedback, such as a willingness to add a third pitch. As Woo notes, Sasaki has indeed worked on a third pitch, which he unveiled in spring training. It is a cutter that has horizontal movement, complementing his splitter, which has vertical movement."
Roki Sasaki arrived in Major League Baseball as a highly hyped prospect with an exceptional fastball and splitter, but his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers presented significant obstacles. He experienced a difficult start, an extended injured list placement, and transitioned to a relief role during the postseason. Despite these challenges, the Dodgers organization has demonstrated strong support for Sasaki's development. Both the team and Sasaki experienced a learning curve regarding communication and adjustment to his personality and approach. The Dodgers now have improved understanding of how Sasaki operates, and he has become more receptive to team feedback. Notably, Sasaki has developed a third pitch—a cutter with horizontal movement—demonstrating his willingness to evolve. Manager Dave Roberts continues backing Sasaki as a starter with a guaranteed rotation spot.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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