Roki Sasaki, after his struggles pitching for the Dodgers, illustrates the luxury the team has in handling prospects. In his second major league start, Sasaki's performance worsened, as he left after only two innings, showcasing severe control issues. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers can afford to be patient with him, having the depth to cover for his minor league adjustments. Unlike other teams, where he might face mounting pressure to perform, the Dodgers' current championship aspirations allow them time to develop him without immediate consequences, though the risk of fading into obscurity exists.
Sasaki made his second start for the Dodgers on Saturday night, and it was somehow worse than his first. He didn't make it out of the second inning of a 7-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium.
Sasaki won't have a rookie season like Fernando Valenzuela's or Dwight Gooden's, but the Dodgers don't need him to. The Dodgers are World Series favorites with or without him.
If Sasaki needs another start or two to get acclimated to the pitch clock or low-quality American baseballs, the Dodgers can afford to give them to him.
However, there is a downside to not being needed, as Sasaki is with the Dodgers, which is that a player can be forgotten.
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