Dodgers Rookie Phenom Roki Sasaki Reacts to Making MLB Debut in Tokyo Series

Gabe Smallson | Mar 19, 2025

Mar 19, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, JPN; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki (11) delievers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during the Tokyo Series at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

There was a glimpse of greatness at the Tokyo Dome when Roki Sasaki took the mound.

In fact, after three innings, it was more than just a glimpse. Sasaki confirmed many notions about how he would fare in the majors as the Los Angeles Dodgers took down the Chicago Cubs, 6-3, to move to 2-0 in the regular season.

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The 23-year-old phenom that fans have heard murmurs about for months finally made his moment Wednesday. The right-hander revealed after the game that although he felt his share of nerves, he used it to his advantage.

"I was nervous," said Sasaki through his interpreter Yuji Akimoto, "but I really wanted to make sure that I made the most of this unique experience and tried to do my best."

Roki Sasaki said he was nervous in his MLB and Dodgers debut, but added “it really helped me concentrate and live in the moment.”

He allowed five walks but was able to limit the damage to just one run, with two huge bases loaded strikeouts in the 3rd.
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Harold Reynolds of MLB Network noted that although Sasaki has pitched in this massive stadium before, the pressure of not just coming back to pitch in the country he was born in, but to start his MLB career must have been a different kind of nerviousness.

"I was nervous, but in a way, it really helped me concentrate and helped me to live in the moment."

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Sasaki also summarized the incredibly special experience of not just starting his MLB career, but doing so about a six-hour drive away from where he was born.

"The fact that the team won two games was really good," he added, "so I hope I can throw more innings and really contribute to the team."

The phenom only allowed one hit and one earned run in his three-inning MLB debut. With five walks over 56 pitches, the three strikeouts and five whiffs were just a small sample of what he can continue to do in 2025.

As is expected for anyone making their big league debut, let alone on as big a stage as Sasaki, the walks total was higher than many would have hoped.

To end his night, the 23-year-old got out of a bases loaded, one out jam, striking out two batters in a row as he trotted off the diamond and took a big sigh of relief.

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