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Live batting practice sessions are generally a non-event during MLB spring training – unless, of course, the pitcher throwing said live BP is Roki Sasaki.
The 23-year-old Japanese phenom threw to hitters Wednesday for the first time in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform, and he did it in front of a sizable crowd of spectators. Hundreds of fans, as well as several of Sasaki's Dodgers teammates, coaches and front office members, flooded into the backfields at Camelback Ranch to see the the young pitcher the organization had moved heaven and earth to sign last month in international free agency; and he didn't disappoint.
Sasaki threw 27 itches across two simulated innings, relying mostly on a combination of fastballs and splitters; but he also mixed in some sliders. He faced four batters – Tommy Edman, Miguel Rojas, Eddie Rosario and David Bote — and gave up a pair of line drive singles to Edman and Bote. But he otherwise managed to keep the ball on the ground and generate some whiffs with his splitter.
Roki's first live BP. pic.twitter.com/S46iV9BIdI
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 19, 2025
Roki Sasaki's ridiculous crowd for first live BP validates Dodgers' extensive chase
Even Sasaki's teammates were in awe of the staggering number of people who came out to watch his live BP session Wednesday.
“I've also never seen this many people here to see me talk about a live BP,” Edman said afterward (via Jordan Shusterman of Yahoo! Sports). “It was definitely a fun environment. Everybody's excited to watch it. I'm excited to play behind him in some games this year.”
Indeed, the large crowd was a testament to Sasaki's star quality. Yes, he was the most coveted free agent on the international market this offseason due to his pitching prowess; but all of the hype surrounding him leading up to the international signing period only increased his name recognition and celebrity among baseball fans.
In their extensive chase to land Sasaki in international free agency, the Dodgers weren't merely seeking to beef up their already-strong starting rotation; if the turnout for Wednesday's live BP session is any indication, they were making a sound business decision as well.
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