Roki Sasaki to Start Tomorrow; Former NPB Player Comments: Only Lack is Control

24-year-old Dodgers Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is scheduled to start in the third game of the Dodgers vs. Rockies series tomorrow. Given his recent performances resulting in 0 wins, 2 losses, and an ERA over 6, former NPB Orix player and current NHK commentator So Taguchi offered his perspective. He believes Sasaki is a highly promising pitcher, and the only area lacking currently is his control.

56-year-old So Taguchi, commenting on Roki Sasaki in a recent NHK BS program, stated: "He definitely has potential, and his pitching content is excellent. The only shortfall is control. This point has been mentioned repeatedly, but it is indeed the area he needs to improve."

He also expressed his expectation: "I think Coach Dave Roberts still maintains patience with him and continues giving him opportunities, and the team's current situation allows for this patience. I am watching him now, hoping he can master various skills and secure his spot in the starting rotation."

This season, positioned as a starting pitcher, Roki Sasaki has struggled so far. He has made 3 appearances, pitching 13 innings with 9 earned runs allowed, recording 0 wins, 2 losses, an ERA of 6.23, and a WHIP of 1.85.

Current NHK commentator So Taguchi, a former professional player from Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, previously played for NPB's Orix and MLB's St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies. Known for his solid defense and versatility as a utility player, he won five Gold Glove awards in NPB and helped the Cardinals win the 2006 World Series, making him one of the few Japanese position players to succeed in MLB.