I sit here, replaying the highlights of Roki Sasaki's start against the Phillies on April 5, 2025. The excitement of the game still lingers, and the questions swirl—what did we just witness? Was this a glimpse of greatness, or merely a promising start?

As the final out was counted, it became clear that there were several key moments and takeaways that made this performance stand out. Here are the top five takeaways from Sasaki's third MLB start, which left fans and analysts alike buzzing with anticipation.

1. A Much-Needed Bounce Back

After two shaky starts to begin his MLB career, Roki Sasaki delivered a performance that showcased his potential. In four-plus innings, he allowed just one run on three hits and two walks while striking out four.

This was a stark improvement from his first two outings, where command issues plagued him with nine combined walks in just 4 2/3 innings. On Saturday, Sasaki showed poise and control, throwing 68 pitches and working ahead in counts consistently by delivering first-pitch strikes to 13 of the 17 batters he faced.

2. The Splitter: A Nightmare for Hitters

Sasaki’s signature splitter was on full display and proved why it’s considered one of the most devastating pitches in baseball. Phillies hitters struggled mightily against it, swinging and missing on four of the ten splitters they offered at in putaway counts.

Sasaki leaned heavily on this pitch in strikeout situations, throwing it exclusively on 0-2 and 1-2 counts. Phillies shortstop Trea Turner described it as “funky” and “different,” while Bryson Stott likened it to a screwball due to its sharp drop.

3. Resilience Under Pressure

The game didn’t start smoothly for Sasaki. The Phillies opened with back-to-back singles in the first inning, leading to an early run scored on a groundout by Alec Bohm.

However, Sasaki rebounded impressively by retiring 12 of the next 13 batters he faced, demonstrating his ability to adjust mid-game and maintain composure in a hostile environment like Citizens Bank Park.

4. Improved Fastball Command

Key to Sasaki’s success was his improved fastball command. By locating his fastball effectively in the strike zone, he was able to set up his splitter as an even more potent weapon.

This adjustment came after focused bullpen sessions during the week where Sasaki worked on incorporating his lower half into his mechanics. The result was a more polished delivery and better control over his pitches.

5. Dodgers’ Defense and Offense Had His Back

While Sasaki impressed on the mound, his teammates played a crucial role in securing the Dodgers’ 3-1 victory. Enrique Hernández, for example, provided early offensive support with a two-run homer off Aaron Nola, while Michael Conforto added insurance with a solo shot in the sixth inning.

On defense, Teoscar Hernández made a pivotal play in the fifth inning by doubling off Bryson Stott at first base after catching a fly ball, preventing a potential sacrifice fly that could have tied the game.

Roki Sasaki’s third start wasn’t just a step forward—it was a statement. For a pitcher transitioning from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball to the MLB, this outing served as both a confidence booster and a glimpse into what could be an extraordinary career ahead.

As Dodgers manager Dave Roberts put it: “He kept his composure... just kept executing pitches... leaving the outing wanting for more.” And more is exactly what baseball fans will be eagerly awaiting from this Japanese phenom.

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