“Go deeper in the game”- Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts suggests Roki Sasaki to follow Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s footsteps

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 13, 2025, 16:10 IST

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Despite the Dodgers' crushing loss to the Cubs, manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic about Roki Sasaki's potential. Roberts hopes Sasaki can emulate Yoshinobu Yamamoto's pitching strategy, focusing on early strikes and fastball control. Sasaki himself acknowledged initial discomfort but noted improved command and reliance on his slider, viewing it as a valuable learning experience.

“Go deeper in the game”- Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts suggests Roki Sasaki to follow Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s footsteps

Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts suggests Roki Sasaki to follow Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s footsteps (Image Source: Getty)

In the middle of a heated baseball season, the Los Angeles Dodgers lost 16-0 to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, however, the team manager, Dave Roberts, expressed his expectations for Roki Sasaki. He believes it could be somewhat similar to how Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been pitching, and his performance could be taken as a good example.

Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts encouraged by Roki Sasaki’s progress

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts believes that Yoshinobu Yamamoto is an excellent player, who is able to throw strikes early and is able to control his fastball well. He feels, if Roki Sasaki is able to take that into account, the team could do better. Roberts said:

Dodgers Postgame: Dave Roberts on Roki Sasaki Progress, Casparius Struggles & Flushing the Loss

Roki Sasaki did play well. Roberts said:

“For me, that was the silver lining of the night, and probably the most important piece of the game was for him to get better, go deeper in the game, throw strikes, get strikeouts, soft contact.”

Roki Sasaki reflects on growth and learning

Meanwhile, for Roki Sasaki, it was a clearer first inning, but it was visible he was a little worried. Slowly, in the game, Sasaki managed to calm down. Sasaki acknowledged that he did not feel comfortable in the first inning. He said:
“Didn’t quite feel comfortable in my first inning, But I felt like I hit a stride after that first inning. Overall, a lot better command. That was something that I was able to continue from my last outing.”
Further, Sasaki explained that he believes that he feels tense when he’s in the spot. He said:
“It does put me in a little tough spot when considering that I don't throw a variety of pitches, So today, I had to lean on the slider at the end of the game to get something over the plate aside from my fastball. But when my fastball command is good, I feel like guys will swing a little bit more on my split.”
Also Read: Roki Sasaki Net Worth 2025: Everything On Dodgers Star’s Wealth

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TOI Sports Desk

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