The Los Angeles have 14 pitchers on their injured list after an offseason that worked on last year’s pitching depth issue.
Sasaki Roki has a 2.10 ERA in four seasons, only 23 years old, almost 2.10 splitter, and was considered a unicorn coming from professional baseball in Japan. After being courted by the 20 MLB team, the right-hander ultimately signed with LA, but had a sub-average 4.72 ERA in his first eight starts with the .
More news: The call Bobby Miller after the Wild Inning Game vs. Mets: Report
Sasaki placed on the list of injured in a shoulder collision a month ago, and pitching coach Mark theorized that the injury led to his lack of command to begin the MLB chapter of his career.
“Obviously, he was troubled by it sometimes in Japan last year. “I think there are two different passes going here. There are development passes he overlaid when trying to play at the major league level, but they’re not easy.
“I’ve seen it a lot of people coming from Triple A and minor leagues. They’re trying to keep developing at the big league level. It’s very difficult and sometimes messy. But I think it has something to do with the shoulders.
“Clearly the speed kept flowing, and then finally he got to where he was talking and we think what he needs to deal with is what he needs to deal with: his overall shoulder conditioning and strength.”
Fastball speed was the subject of offseason “homework” assigned to interested MLB teams, and saw how Sasaki’s potential employers could communicate with him. He asked the team why his fastball speed had dropped before the season and how to make sure it never happens again.
Pitch speed was another concern for Sasaki during the start of his ‘ career, but hopes that once he recovers to the field and returns, the speed and production of the phenoms will rise.
More news: Dalton already feels comfortable and praises the for making it happen
Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Immagn Image
Have you joined us? Mismatch Channel still? Be part of the ultimate Snation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time stories, call-in access to the dugout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, gifts and more!