Roki Sasaki Shines in MLB Debut for Dodgers in Tokyo

The 23-year-old phenom delivered a perfect first inning in his home country, showcasing his potential as part of the Dodgers' Japanese talent strategy.

Roki Sasaki made his highly anticipated MLB debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers during the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs, pitching a flawless first inning.
Sasaki struck out Cubs star Seiya Suzuki with a 99.3 mph fastball and induced a flyout to complete a perfect 1-2-3 inning, thrilling fans at the Tokyo Dome.
The Dodgers' acquisition of Sasaki, alongside Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, reflects their strategic focus on integrating top Japanese talent into their roster.
Sasaki's debut carries cultural and emotional significance as he returns to Japan, where his career began, and builds on his legacy from Japan's NPB league.
The Dodgers are off to a strong start in the 2025 season, following their 4-1 victory in the series opener, with standout performances from Ohtani and Yamamoto.