Dodger rookie Roki Sasaki adjusts pitching strategy to secure a playoff position amidst underwhelming performance
The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for a potential postseason run, and one name that could potentially join the team is 23-year-old right-hander Roki Sasaki. Sasaki, who was one of the most hyped free-agent signings last winter, has been sidelined since early May due to a shoulder impingement.
However, Sasaki's strong desire to be a part of the Dodgers' starting pitchers' strong performance has not wavered. He is putting in work to make a bigger impact, whether it's this fall or next spring.
Sasaki has made a number of changes to his arsenal, primarily focusing on his breaking ball usage. One significant change he has made is replacing his sweeping slider with a cutter that features close to 10 fewer inches of cut. This change has shown promising results, with Sasaki's cutter having a whiff percentage of 50%, compared to his slider's 33.3%.
In small samples, Sasaki's cutter has shown a higher whiff percentage compared to his slider. Moreover, his four-seam fastball features dead-zone properties, which could make it a formidable weapon in the bullpen.
Manager Dave Roberts believes Sasaki is in a good place to contribute to the team. The Dodgers are considering Sasaki's potential role in the bullpen for the remainder of the season, but the decision about the postseason roster spot will be made by the team's management, typically led by the General Manager and the coaching staff.
It's worth noting that Sasaki has only thrown three sinkers so far, according to pitch classification algorithms. There is no specific information indicating whether Roki Sasaki will be considered for the Dodgers' postseason team.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes also drew criticism for his four-seamer's shape, but overcame concerns by adding a sinker-splitter hybrid. This could suggest that Sasaki may have added a sinker to his pitch arsenal as well.
Sasaki's four-seam fastball, cutter, and potential sinker will undoubtedly add a new dynamic to the Dodgers' bullpen if he is called upon. As the Dodgers stand on the brink of qualifying for the postseason by Friday night, Sasaki's strong performance in the minor leagues and his determination to contribute to the team make him an exciting prospect to watch.
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