Right-handed pitcher Sasaki spoke to reporters before the Los Angeles ‘ game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. The rookie right-hander provided an update on his recovery from a persistent shoulder injury he had in May.
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Sasaki improved his mechanics, reaching up to 96 miles when he threw a bullpen session on Tuesday. He said he no longer feels pain when he pitches, but he needs to keep those mechanisms consistent when he faces a live batsman.
“It made me feel better to be able to throw more vigorously because there’s no particular pain,” Sasaki said through an interpreter. “That being said, I have to face a live batsman and see how my mechanic is held and can do it consistently.”
The signed Saga to a minor league contract in January after playing four seasons in professional baseball in Japan. He became the 16th pitcher in NPB history, throwing a perfect game and hitting a record 13 consecutive batters in 2022.
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However, Sasaki is struggling to move to MLB. In his first eight starts, he gave up 18 runs, six home runs, 29 hits and 22 walks in 34.1 innings.
“I can’t really attack the previous methods in Japan because American batters have a different approach at the plate compared to Japanese batters,” Sasaki said. “They have a variety of advantages and disadvantages, so I had to make the way I attack the batsmen more diverse.”
The are planning to pitch Sasaki in three simulated innings in Los Angeles on Friday. If he plays well, the send him to his first rehab assignment of the season.
Los Angeles is hoping Sasaki will return in late August or early September, and hopes the holidays will give them a better sense of pitching at the MLB level.
The recently returned starting pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow from injuries. Sasaki’s Return further strengthens the once exhausted spin, but he knows his spot is not guaranteed.
“My whole intention is to go back to the major league mound and pitch again,” Sasaki said. “That being said, I also need to fight for opportunities. I don’t think I’ll be given the opportunity anytime soon. So I’m facing the whole thing and I know this month will be important to me.”
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Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Immagn Image
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