Tue Oct 07 01:10:00 UTC 2025: **Dodgers Unlock Roki Sasaki’s Dominance with Mechanical Overhaul, Turning Struggling Starter into Postseason Closer**
**PHILADELPHIA** – Roki Sasaki, the highly touted Japanese pitching prospect whose rookie season with the Los Angeles Dodgers appeared to be spiraling into a bust, has been reborn as a dominant closer thanks to a collaborative effort by the Dodgers coaching staff. After struggling with velocity and enduring injuries, the 23-year-old right-hander underwent a mechanical overhaul in early September, spearheaded by Dodgers’ director of pitching Rob Hill, and the transformation has been remarkable.
Sasaki, who captivated Hill with his triple-digit fastball and devastating splitter while pitching in Japan, arrived in Los Angeles with high expectations. However, those expectations quickly faded as he battled a shoulder injury and struggled to regain his velocity, ultimately landing in Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Despite the setbacks, the Dodgers’ front office, including President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, General Manager Brandon Gomes, and Manager Dave Roberts, maintained faith in Sasaki. They provided unwavering support and eventually convinced him to embrace a mechanical adjustment.
Hill and pitching performance coordinator Ian Walsh conducted an extensive “deposition” with Sasaki, seeking to understand his pitching history, routine, and any physical limitations. This led to the identification of an issue with Sasaki’s pelvis that was hindering his delivery and reducing his fastball velocity.
By implementing a specific cue – “Up, down, out” – to adjust his back leg position, Sasaki was able to regain his velocity and command. The results were immediate. His fastball climbed back into the upper 90s, and his splitter regained its bite. Recognizing a need for bullpen help, the Dodgers shifted Sasaki to a relief role.
Sasaki excelled in his new role. He earned his first major league save in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, showcasing his renewed dominance with a fastball reaching 101 mph and a devastating splitter.
“He’s got the look of a killer now,” Roberts said, praising Sasaki’s newfound confidence and performance.
The Dodgers’ ability to identify and correct Sasaki’s mechanical flaws highlights their organizational strength in player development. Hill emphasized the importance of individualized instruction and adapting to a pitcher’s unique physical attributes, rather than imposing a rigid mechanical model. Sasaki is now a vital component of the Dodgers’ bullpen as they pursue another World Series title. His story underscores the power of trust, collaboration, and the potential for even the most struggling players to find success with the right guidance and support.
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