Roki Sasaki's performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers has not matched his previous success in Japan, primarily due to a shoulder impingement affecting his fastball velocity. Initially, he was pitching in the low-to-mid 90s, far below his usual 97-100 mph. Despite his desire to compete, manager Dave Roberts decided to place him on the injured list for caution. While some thought his velocity drop was about improving command, both Sasaki and pitching coach Mark Prior confirmed it was unintentional, adding complexity to Sasaki's adjustment period in the MLB.
The version of Roki Sasaki we've seen with the Los Angeles Dodgers is not the same pitcher we saw clips of lighting the proverbial world on fire in his native Japan.
Manager Dave Roberts noted that although Sasaki wanted to compete, it was better to err on the side of caution and allow him to rest.
While he has touched 97-98 mph, Sasaki's fastball has been sitting uncharacteristically in the low-to-mid 90s due to shoulder soreness.
Despite improved command, both Sasaki and pitching coach Mark Prior indicated the drop in velocity was not intentional.
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